Erin Andrews did not throw a pass, catch a touchdown, or call a play on Jan. 11. She still became one of the most talked-about figures of the NFL postseason.During the NFC Wild Card game between the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field, the Fox Sports sideline reporter shifted attention away from the field with a bold wardrobe choice that quickly took over social media.
Erin Andrews’ sideline outfit turns a Wild Card game into a fashion moment
Andrews appeared on the Fox broadcast wearing an oversized black-and-ivory faux fur coat while reporting from the sidelines in Philadelphia. Game-time temperatures sat in the 30s with heavy wind, making outerwear a necessity. The coat still stood out the moment she went live.Within minutes, screenshots flooded X. Fans labeled it “outfit of the year” and turned the look into a running joke across the NFL internet. The coat’s sharp contrast and exaggerated collar drew instant comparisons to Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians.One fan wrote, “Erin Andrews woke this morning and said ‘Imma slay bi**hes y’all!’” Another added, “Philadelphia, hide your puppies! Erin Andrews is in town.”The reaction did not stay online. Fox analyst Michael Strahan and members of the broadcast repeatedly referenced the coat on air. Andrews brushed it off each time and stayed focused on her reporting.According to Fox Sports and multiple fashion outlets, the coat is Auter’s “THE FOX JACKET” in Smoke Noir. It retails for roughly $950 and features a sculpted oversized collar designed for warmth and mobility. Auter describes the piece as a refined statement in faux fur with a bold black-and-smoke palette.The design worked on television. It also worked as insulation in freezing conditions. That combination fueled the reaction.
Internet jokes follow Erin Andrews while she keeps the broadcast on track
The comparisons escalated as the night went on. Fans likened Andrews to Cruella de Vil, Ric Flair, an emu, and even mafia movie extras. One joked, “Erin Andrews took out the entire polar bear exhibit at the Philadelphia Zoo to make this coat.” Merriam-Webster joined the moment with, “Fun fact: a group of emus is called a ‘mob.’”Not all reactions were positive. Some viewers argued the look distracted from the game. Others questioned whether sideline reporters should draw attention with fashion during playoff broadcasts.Veteran media writer Richard Deitsch addressed that debate directly, writing, “The position is valuable is my point. How you feel about specific reporters will always be subjective. Personally, I don’t care what anyone wears. Just ask good Qs, don’t be a league propagandist, and get info.”That is exactly what Andrews did. Despite the noise, she delivered key updates throughout the game. Most notably, she confirmed the Achilles injury suffered by 49ers tight end George Kittle, an injury that ended his season and placed his next year in question.Earlier that day, Andrews also drew attention for her pregame interview outfit while speaking with Christian McCaffrey. That look sparked its own split reaction online. Praise and criticism arrived in equal measure.The moment underscored a familiar reality in sports media. A woman can report accurately, break news, and still have her appearance dominate the conversation.By the end of the night, Andrews’ coat became a viral subplot to a playoff game that already carried high stakes. The Eagles led 13-10 at halftime. Injuries mounted for San Francisco. The Fox broadcast rolled on with Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady, Tom Rinaldi, and Andrews handling their roles.The coat did not change the outcome of the game. It did something else. It reminded everyone how fast attention moves and how easily it shifts. Andrews stayed steady while the internet ran wild. That part mattered more than the memes.
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