Steve — a retired WFLA-TV reporter from Tampa, Florida — joined Erin live on Tuesday’s show. Together, they watched a touching video in which he reflected on her journey, from childhood sports fan to one of the most recognizable faces in sports broadcasting.
“We would just sit and watch games,” Steve recalled. “I’d tell her stories about the players. One day she saw Hannah Storm interviewing Charles Barkley and said, ‘Dad, that’s what I want to do.’”
From Childhood Dreams to Sports Broadcasting Fame
Erin’s passion for sports began “on a couch” next to her Celtics-fan dad, long before she became a fixture on FOX Sports sidelines and a co-host on TODAY. Steve remembered how she often visited the TV station, chatting with anchors and absorbing the newsroom energy.
And from her very first game as a broadcaster, Steve says he’s watched as many as possible — often texting her after each one.
Overcoming Stalking, Cancer, and Personal Challenges
The segment turned emotional as Steve addressed the 2008 stalking incident in which a man secretly filmed Erin in her Nashville hotel room without her consent — a traumatic violation that made national headlines.
Steve recalled offering her “24/7” company to help her feel safe. “It was terrifying,” he said.
In 2016, Erin faced another life-changing challenge: a cervical cancer diagnosis. Steve described the relief of hearing his daughter was cancer-free:
“I’ll never forget that call. She’s such a fighter. Most people would be down for the count, but she used it as motivation. She’s amazing.”
Motherhood and New Beginnings
In June 2023, Erin and her husband welcomed their first child, Mack, via surrogate — a milestone that left Steve beaming with pride.
“Becoming a grandfather has been incredible,” he said. “Erin is so strong, so determined. She never lets anything beat her.”
Why This Story Resonates
Erin Andrews’ journey is more than a sports success story — it’s a testament to perseverance, family support, and resilience. From sideline reporting to surviving public trauma, cancer, and the road to motherhood, her story continues to inspire viewers nationwide.
