Charissa Thompson Biography: Fox Sports, Age, Career & More

Charissa Thompson Biography: Fox Sports Host and EXTRA Co-Host

Charissa Jean Thompson is a prominent American television host and sportscaster known for her work with Fox Sports and her past co-hosting role on the entertainment news show “Extra.”

Early Life and Education:

Born Charissa Jean Thompson in Seattle, Washington, she developed an early interest in broadcasting.

She attended Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington, where she excelled in sports, lettering in basketball, track, and volleyball.

After high school, she moved to California to attend community college before transferring to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law and Society in 2004.

During her high school and college years, she held various part-time jobs, including working as a nanny, a sales associate at Nordstrom, a waitress at The Cheesecake Factory, and a barista at Starbucks, and even operated her own coffee stand.

Career:

Thompson’s career in broadcasting began in an unconventional way. After graduating from college, she initially took a position in the human resources department at FOX Sports in 2006.

Her ambition and interest in television production led her to also spend time in the network’s highlights department, learning about cutting and organizing game clips.

Her first on-air opportunity came as a fill-in host for a local Colorado Rockies show at FOX Sports Net Rocky Mountain in 2007.

This quickly led to a role on the nationally syndicated program “Best Damn Sports Show Period,” where she served as a regular host for two years.

During this time, she also made appearances as a sideline reporter for FOX NFL and the Big Ten Network.

In 2010, Thompson moved on to work with Versus and Yahoo Sports, covering major events like the 2010 Winter Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl XLV, and the BCS National Championship.

She joined ESPN in June 2011, co-hosting “Numbers Never Lie” and later taking over as host of “SportsNation” in July 2012.

In June 2013, Thompson returned to Fox Sports to be a part of the launch of FS1, where she became a host on “Fox Sports Live” and a presenter for “Fox NFL Kickoff.” She also hosted “NFL Films Presents” on FS1 starting in 2018.

Beyond sports, Thompson showcased her versatility by co-hosting the syndicated entertainment news program “Extra” from 2014 to 2017.

As of 2025, Thompson continues her role as the pregame host for Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” and remains a prominent figure at Fox Sports. She also co-hosts the podcast “Calm Down with Erin and Charissa.”

Age:

Charissa Thompson was born on May 4, 1982, making her 43 years old. Her zodiac sign is Taurus. She is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Charissa Thompson has kept much of her family life private. However, she has mentioned in interviews her close relationship with her family, especially her siblings. Specific details about her parents and siblings are not widely publicized.

Husband:

Charissa Thompson was previously married to sports agent Kyle Thousand. The couple tied the knot in December 2020 but reportedly separated in 2022. Her current relationship status has not been publicly confirmed.

Charissa Thompson has had an interesting personal life, marked by her relationships and interests outside of her professional career.

Relationships

• First Marriage: Charissa was first married at the age of 25, but details about her first husband are not widely known. She has mentioned that her first husband was supportive during tough times.

• Kyle Thousand: Charissa got engaged to sports agent Kyle Thousand in January 2020, and they married in December 2020. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in April 2022 due to irreconcilable differences.

• Current Status: As of now, Charissa is single and has not publicly disclosed any new relationships.

Height:

Charissa Thompson stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and weighs around 58 kg (128 lbs).

She has a slender build, with body measurements reportedly at 36-24-35 inches, contributing to her elegant and athletic appearance.

Career and Background:

Charissa Thompson’s career in sports broadcasting began in a rather unconventional way.

After graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Law and Society, she moved to Los Angeles and started working in the human resources department at Fox Sports.

She gained national attention when she started working with ESPN, where she co-hosted programs like “Numbers Never Lie” and “SportsNation.”

In 2013, she transitioned to Fox Sports, where she became the host of “Fox Sports Live” on FS1. Charissa has also made a name for herself in entertainment by co-hosting “EXTRA” alongside Mario Lopez.

Her extensive experience in both sports and entertainment journalism has solidified her reputation as a versatile and skilled broadcaster.

Early Steps

• Fox Sports HR: Charissa initially worked behind the scenes in the HR department. However, her interest in TV production led her to take on additional tasks in the network’s highlights department, where she learned to cut and organize game clips.

• First On-Air Role: Her first on-air opportunity came in 2007 when she was a fill-in host for a Colorado Rockies all-access show on Fox Sports Net Rocky Mountain.

Breakthrough

• Big Ten Network and Fox Sports Net: Charissa quickly transitioned to covering college sports, appearing on various shows for Big Ten Network and Fox Sports Net. She also served as a sideline reporter for college football and basketball games.

• National Exposure: Her comfort and skill in front of the camera caught the attention of Fox executives, leading to her role on the nationally syndicated program “Best Damn Sports Show Period.”

Career Growth

• Versus and Yahoo Sports: In 2010, she expanded her reach by working for Versus and Yahoo Sports, covering major events like the Winter Olympics and the FIFA World Cup.

• ESPN: Charissa joined ESPN in 2011, where she co-hosted “Numbers Never Lie” and later “SportsNation.”

• Return to Fox Sports: She returned to Fox Sports in 2013, becoming a key figure on “Fox Sports Live” and later co-hosting “Fox NFL Kickoff.”

Charissa Thompson covers a variety of sports, primarily focusing on American football.

Here are some of the key sports and shows she is involved with:

American Football

• NFL: Charissa is a prominent host for NFL-related shows, including:

• • Fox NFL Kickoff: The Sunday morning pregame show leading into Fox NFL Sunday.

• • Thursday Night Football: She hosts the pregame, halftime, and post-game coverage for Amazon Prime Video’s NFL broadcasts.

• • NFL Films Presents: A highlight and interview show on FS1 that offers unique perspectives on NFL personalities.

Other Sports

• College Sports: Early in her career, Charissa covered college football and basketball for Big Ten Network and Fox Sports Net.

• NHL: She has also anchored NHL studio coverage for Versus.

• Baseball: Charissa has appeared on various baseball programs, including coverage of the MLB All-Star Game.

Podcast:

Charissa Thompson co-hosts a podcast called “Calm Down with Erin and Charissa” alongside Erin Andrews.

This podcast is known for its candid and unfiltered conversations, covering a wide range of topics from sports and entertainment to personal anecdotes and life advice. Here are some key details:

About the Podcast

• Hosts: Charissa Thompson and Erin Andrews.

• Format: The podcast features casual, conversational episodes where the hosts discuss various topics as if they were chatting with friends. No subject is off-limits, making it a mix of humor, insights, and real-life experiences.

• Episodes: New episodes are released weekly, including both full episodes and shorter “Pregame” segments where they answer listener questions and discuss timely topics.

Where to Listen

• Apple Podcasts: Calm Down with Erin and Charissa

• YouTube: Calm Down With Erin and Charissa

• iHeartRadio: Calm Down with Erin and Charissa

• Spotify: Calm Down with Erin and Charissa

Net Worth and Salary:

Charissa Thompson has accumulated a significant net worth through her successful career in broadcasting, estimated to be around $3 million.

Her annual salary as a host for Fox Sports is reportedly in the range of $700,000, reflecting her high standing in the industry.

Is Charissa Thompson Married?

How Old Is Charissa Thompson?

Charissa Thompson is 42 years old, having been born on May 4, 1982.

Where Is Charissa Thompson?

Charissa Thompson continues to work as the host of FOX NFL Kickoff, a pregame show that airs every Sunday during the NFL season.

She has also co-hosted the entertainment show “EXTRA,” showcasing her versatility in both sports and entertainment broadcasting. As of the latest updates, she remains active in her role with Fox Sports.