“Enough Is Enough”: FOX Reporter Erin Andrews Issues Public Apology to Baker Mayfield Over Awkward Interview Moment

Sideline reporters face chaos every Sunday with roaring crowds, unpredictable weather, and uncooperative coaches. But sometimes the toughest challenge comes from the most unexpected source.

Erin Andrews just went public with an apology that had nothing to do with missed questions or bad audio. The FOX Sports veteran addressed Baker Mayfield directly on her podcast, and the reason why might surprise you.

Erin Andrews Apologizes to Baker Mayfield After Skin Reaction Derailed Critical Week 18 Interview

Andrews revealed the full story on her Calm Down Podcast with co-host Charissa Thompson. The night before flying to Tampa for a crucial Week 18 sit-down interview with Mayfield, she decided to use retinol on her face. Big mistake.

The FOX reporter put on the cream before bed, got on a plane the next morning, and woke up with a full-blown skin reaction. Her left side swelled, creating what she called “an entire situation” just before one of the biggest interviews of the playoff push.

Andrews admitted she was forcing smiles during the Mayfield interview to hide the breakout. She said she wanted to cover half her face with her hair and just congratulate the quarterback on clinching the division.

The Buccaneers needed that Week 18 game against New Orleans to lock up the NFC South. Mayfield delivered, completing 21 of 31 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns in a 27-19 victory that sent Tampa Bay to the playoffs. 

Meanwhile, Andrews sat there conducting the interview with a swollen face, trying to focus on football while dealing with her skin crisis.

Less than two weeks after that interview, Andrews issued her public apology on the podcast. She told Mayfield directly that she had to stop, saying “enough is enough” while hoping the two-time Pro Bowler was listening. 

Erin Andrews’ ‘Public Apology’ to NFL Star Turns Heads https://t.co/6GzNm1W11E via @athlonsports

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Andrews described how she got the swelling injected after the interview, but by Sunday postgame she still had visible bumps all over her face that she compared to braille.

Erin Andrews Has Been FOX Sports’ Top Sideline Reporter Since 2014

Andrews knows pressure situations. The 47-year-old started her career with Fox Sports Florida before moving to the Sunshine Network in the same state. 

She joined ESPN in 2004 and moved to FOX Sports nationally in 2012, eventually becoming the network’s main sideline reporter for its top broadcast team in 2014.

The timing of the skin reaction couldn’t have been worse. Week 18 interviews matter a lot when playoff spots are on the line, and Mayfield was leading Tampa Bay’s postseason push.

 The Buccaneers lost in the first round, but Mayfield has the team at 3-1 through four weeks of the 2025 season.

Andrews sharing the embarrassing moment shows the human side of broadcasting that fans rarely see. Sideline reporters prepare for everything except unexpected skincare problems the night before big interviews. 

The former first overall pick probably had no idea Andrews was dealing with a full-face crisis while talking playoff football.