After leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, Jalen Hurts stepped in front of the cameras to take it all in. As the game’s MVP, his postgame interview with Fox Sports’ Erin Andrews should have been a routine moment-another champion reflecting on his big night. Instead, some fans took issue with how Andrews handled the exchange.
On social media, critics suggested Andrews wasn’t excited enough when speaking to Hurts, even hinting at favoritism toward the Chiefs. The comments sparked debate, with some calling her interview style “flat” and others defending her professionalism.
Andrews didn’t let the noise go unanswered. Speaking on the Calm Down podcast with Charissa Thompson, she pushed back against the online chatter. “I actually was trying to slow down, be chill instead of being like, ‘Jalen, what does it mean?'”she explained.“I was trying to be calm because he’s [expletive] calm… So I was like, you don’t want the high-pitched voice. Whatever, I was chill.”
The idea that a reporter should match an athlete’s energy isn’t new, but in an era where social media amplifies every interaction, expectations can get skewed. Hurts is known for his quiet, composed demeanor, and Andrews adjusted accordingly. Instead of pressing him with overly enthusiastic questions, she took a more measured approach-one that might have looked less animated but fit the moment.
Social media, Swift, and Super Bowl reactions
This isn’t the first time a broadcaster has been at the center of a social media firestorm after a major sporting event. Viewers often project their own emotions onto these interviews, expecting journalists to mirror their excitement. But as Andrews pointed out, that isn’t always the best approach.
Interestingly, she wasn’t the only one caught up in Super Bowl LIX’s off-field drama. Taylor Swift, who attended the game to support Travis Kelce, faced boos from Eagles fans when she appeared on the big screen. Andrews also commented on that during her podcast. “I feel bad for the most famous, amazing woman in the world who [expletive] gets booed at the Super Bowl,” she said. “Get out of here. I love her.”
As for Hurts, he likely wasn’t fazed by any of it. He delivered a dominant performance on the biggest stage and secured his first Super Bowl win. With a strong roster around him, the Eagles’ future looks just as bright as their present.
Andrews, meanwhile, has moved on from the controversy. After years in the industry, she knows how these postgame narratives take on a life of their own. But she’s not afraid to set the record straight when needed.
