Charissa Thompson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charissa Thompson
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Thompson in 2023
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| Born |
Charissa Jean Thompson
May 4, 1982 Seattle, Washington, U.S.
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| Education | University of California, Santa Barbara (B.A.) |
| Occupation | Television host and sportscaster |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Television | NHL on Versus, Big Ten Network, Extra, Fox NFL Kickoff, NFL on Fox, Fox Sports 1 (sideline reporter) Numbers Never Lie on ESPN (host) SportsNation on ESPN (co-host) NFL Gameday Prime Host (NFL Network) |
| Spouse(s) |
Kyle Thousand
(m. 2020; div. 2022) |
Charissa Jean Thompson (born May 4, 1982) is a well-known American TV host and sportscaster. She works for Fox Sports and Amazon Prime Video. Before this, Thompson worked at ESPN, Versus, and other networks like GSN and the Big Ten Network.
She was a co-host of SportsNation with Marcellus Wiley. She left ESPN in June 2013 to join Fox Sports. When the new Fox Sports 1 network started on August 17, 2013, she became the host of Fox Sports Live. Thompson also hosted the show Ultimate Beastmaster. From 2014 to 2017, she was a co-host on the entertainment news show Extra.
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Early Life and Education
Charissa Thompson was born and grew up in Seattle, Washington. She was the youngest of three children. From a young age, she knew she wanted to be a broadcaster.
She went to Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington. Later, Thompson moved to California to attend community college. She then transferred to the University of California, Santa Barbara. She graduated in 2004 with a degree in Law and Society.
Exploring a Career in Sports Media
Starting with College Sports (2007–2010)
Early in her career, Thompson appeared on different college sports shows. These were on the Big Ten Network and Fox Sports Net (FSN). She also worked as a sideline reporter for college football and college basketball games. She continued this role as her career grew. She later became a sideline reporter for National Football League (NFL) games on NFL on Fox.
For the Big Ten Network, Thompson was on shows like Big Ten's Best and Friday Night Tailgate. On FSN, she appeared on baseball shows. These included The 2007 MLB All-Star Game Red Carpet Parade and The Baseball Report. She also hosted FSN's rodeo show Toughest Cowboy.
Thompson first worked as an NFL sideline reporter in 2008. In 2009, she co-hosted Big Saturday Night on Game Show Network (GSN). She also reported for NHL on Versus.
Growing Her Career at ESPN (2010–2013)
In 2010, Thompson reported for Yahoo Sports at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. She also covered the FIFA World Cup in South Africa for Yahoo! Sports. In 2011, she covered the BCS National Championship game and the Super Bowl for Yahoo! Sports. She also reported on the NBA All-Star Game for Yahoo! Sports.
In June 2011, Thompson joined ESPN. She co-hosted the show Numbers Never Lie with Michael Smith. She also filled in as a host on SportsNation and First Take. In July 2012, she became the main host of SportsNation. She left ESPN in June 2013 to go back to Fox Sports.
In 2013, Thompson also co-hosted the ABC reality TV show Splash. On this show, famous people dived from high platforms.
Returning to Fox Sports (2013–Present)
Thompson rejoined Fox Sports in 2013 for the launch of Fox Sports 1 (FS1). She started as a host on Fox Sports Live. She also became a presenter for Fox NFL Kickoff. In 2018, she became the host of NFL Films Presents on FS1.
Hosting Thursday Night Football (2022–Present)
Since 2022, Thompson has hosted Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime. This is the NFL's first set of games available only through streaming. She hosts the shows before, during, and after the games.
Clarifying Reporting Methods
In November 2023, Thompson spoke about her sideline reporting. She said she sometimes made up small observations about the game. She later clarified her comments on Instagram. Thompson apologized, saying she "used the wrong words." She stressed that she never made up quotes from players or coaches. She only meant observations that she didn't think anyone would correct her on.
Other TV Appearances
Thompson has also worked outside of sports broadcasting. In 2014, she co-hosted the TV show Extra with Mario Lopez and Tracey Edmonds. In 2016, she was announced as a host for the Netflix reality show Ultimate Beastmaster.
Personal Life
Charissa Thompson lives in Malibu, California. In January 2020, she got engaged to sports agent Kyle Thousand. They married on December 30, 2020. They separated and divorced in April 2022.
She had been married once before when she was 25. She also previously dated ESPN analyst and former Chicago Bulls player Jay Williams.
