Erin Andrews Reveals Why She Missed Taylor Swift’s “Patient Zero” Music Video Shoot

Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews has shared the behind-the-scenes story of why she was absent from Taylor Swift‘s latest music video for “Patient Zero,” revealing a combination of a prior professional commitment and a bout of severe food poisoning that kept her from joining the star-studded production.

A Scheduling Conflict and Sudden Illness

During a recent episode of her “Calm Down” podcast, Andrews explained that she received a voice note from Swift inviting her to participate in the video shoot, which was scheduled for a Tuesday. However, the 48-year-old sportscaster had committed a year in advance to emcee an event in Washington, D.C., on that same day.

“I get the voice note (from Swift): ‘Hey guys, it’s going to be — and I think to myself, don’t say Tuesday — it’s on Tuesday,'” Andrews recalled. “On Tuesday, I had committed a year in advance to MC an event. It was a great event. … I go do the event, I leave and we go get sushi. And the next day is the video shoot, and the next day is the speaking engagement. I wake up at 12:30, 12:45 in the morning with the most violent food poisoning I’ve ever had in my life.”

“I’m so sad. Charissa and I are just commiserating together. We’re sending text messages – of course, our boyfriends and our husbands get to do this [and] of course, we’re happy for them, but damn it!”

Husband Jarret Stoll Makes the Final Cut

While Andrews was sidelined, her husband, former NHL player Jarret Stoll, appeared in the finished music video alongside other sports personalities. Andrews expressed mixed emotions about watching from the sidelines: happy for her husband’s inclusion but disappointed to have missed the experience herself.

Charissa Thompson Also Unable to Participate

Andrews’ podcast co-host and close friend, Charissa Thompson, was similarly absent from the production. The Fox Sports broadcaster revealed she had undergone an intense CO2 laser facial treatment that left her face swollen and scabbed, making a camera appearance impossible. Thompson’s boyfriend, Steve Cundari, also secured a cameo in Swift’s video.

Both Return to NFL Coverage Duties

Despite missing the music video shoot, both broadcasters are back on assignment for Fox Sports this weekend. Thompson will host live pregame coverage on “Fox NFL Kickoff,” while Andrews returns to the sidelines as part of the broadcast crew for the Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles matchup at Lincoln Financial Field for Week 4 of the NFL season.

Swift’s Continued Connection to Sports World

The “Patient Zero” video continues Taylor Swift’s pattern of incorporating athletes and sports media figures into her visual projects. Her high-profile relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has further intertwined her world with professional sports, leading to increased crossover appearances. Andrews and Thompson, both prominent women in sports broadcasting, represent the growing visibility of female voices in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

A Moment of Solidarity

Andrews’ candid admission about feeling “damn it!” while simultaneously celebrating her husband’s opportunity captures a relatable professional dilemma. Her and Thompson’s text-message commiseration highlights the genuine friendship between the two broadcasters, who have built a successful podcast partnership alongside their network roles.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on October 3, 2026, in the Entertainment section.

Entertainment, Sports, People, News, Arts, Television, Music, NFL, Fox Sports, Taylor Swift, Erin Andrews, Charissa Thompson, Jarret Stoll, Steve Cundari, Washington D.C., Lincoln Financial Field, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Podcasting, Celebrity News, Women in Sports Broadcasting, Food Poisoning, CO2 Laser Treatment, Music Video Production, NFL Week 4