NFL sideline reporter Erin Andrews faced an emotional health crisis after receiving a frightening diagnosis during a routine checkup. From battling cervical cancer to dealing with a recent pre-skin cancer scare, she has shown incredible strength. In addition to her health struggles, Andrews has been navigating the pressures of motherhood, her career, and personal life. Read on to learn how she persevered through one of the hardest years of her life.
Image: Getty Images
Erin Andrews Opens Up About Her Health Struggles
Earlier this month, Erin Andrews, one of the most recognized faces in sports journalism, revealed a concerning update about her health. During a routine skin check, she was diagnosed with a “pre-skin cancer situation” on her upper lip that required immediate treatment.
Speaking on her “Calm Down” podcast with Charissa Thompson, Andrews explained how she initially dismissed the severity of the situation. “It’s a pre-skin cancer situation. I did a cream for five days on it,” she shared. However, the experience left her shaken, highlighting her fear of unexpected bad news during medical checkups.
Image: Getty Images
Andrews’ health challenges are not new. In 2016, during what she thought was a routine gynecological checkup, she received devastating news: a cervical cancer diagnosis.
“I got the call on a Saturday, which I knew wasn’t going to be good,” Andrews recalled in an interview with New Beauty. “They told me, ‘We found some cells, and it looks like you have cervical cancer, so we need to start taking steps.’ I was numb, having an out-of-body experience. But after treatments and surgeries, I realized how much worse it could have been if I hadn’t gone to the doctor.”
Her experiences serve as a stark reminder of the importance of regular health screenings. Despite her fears, Andrews continues to advocate for early detection and proactive healthcare.
Juggling Motherhood, Career, and Personal Battles
In addition to her health struggles, Andrews has been dealing with significant changes in her personal life. After years of fertility struggles, she and her husband, former NHL star Jarret Stoll, welcomed their son, Mack, via surrogate in 2023. While their dream of becoming parents finally came true, Andrews admits that balancing motherhood with her demanding career has been overwhelming.
“It’s really hard, it really is,” Andrews said emotionally on her podcast. “My husband works in the hockey world, and his season runs at the same time as mine. This was a really, really hard year.”
Image: Getty Images
The first year with Mack was manageable, she explained, as he was still an infant. But as he grew older and became more aware of her absences, the emotional toll intensified.
“We worked so hard to have Mack, and it took us forever to have him. We faced a lot of loss before he finally arrived,” she shared. “I had this attitude like, ‘I have this career, and this is how it’s going to be.’ But now, he notices when I leave, and it’s just really, really hard.”
Andrews’ commitments stretch far beyond the NFL sidelines. She also runs her own clothing brand, WEAR by Erin Andrews, which has become a successful sports apparel line. Additionally, she co-hosts a popular podcast, making her schedule even more demanding.
“I felt like if I wasn’t studying for a game, on calls with players, or on Zoom meetings, I had to be with him,” Andrews admitted. “I wasn’t thinking about my clothing line, my podcast—nothing else mattered except making sure I was present for him.”
The Emotional Toll and Finding Balance
Like many working mothers, Andrews has faced moments of self-doubt and emotional breakdowns. She confided in her podcast co-host, Charissa Thompson, about feeling like she was failing in every aspect of her life.
“I would just have multiple meltdowns with Charissa, saying, ‘I feel like I’m not giving 100 percent of myself to my son, my job, or my clothing line. I feel like I’m barely keeping my head above water,’” she admitted.
Image: Getty Images
Her struggles extended to her personal relationships as well. “I didn’t see any of my girlfriends throughout football season. Then, once I got through it and finally had a couple of weeks off, I asked myself, ‘How the [expletive] did I do that?’”
Her relentless schedule, which includes extensive traveling for work, has made it difficult to maintain balance. However, Andrews is committed to making it work, recognizing that while life is challenging, prioritization and self-care are essential.
Erin Andrews’ Strength and Resilience
Erin Andrews has faced immense challenges, from a terrifying cancer diagnosis to the pressures of motherhood and career demands. Yet, through it all, she has shown remarkable resilience. Her story is a testament to the importance of health awareness, the struggles working mothers face, and the strength required to persevere through life’s toughest moments.
Image: Getty Images
As she continues to navigate her career and personal life, Andrews remains an inspiration to many. Whether it’s reporting from the NFL sidelines, growing her brand, or being a devoted mother, she proves that no challenge is insurmountable.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges, remember—you’re not alone. Stay strong, prioritize your well-being, and never hesitate to ask for help.
