You probably know Erin Andrews as the powerhouse on the NFL sidelines or the face of Dancing with the Stars. She’s a household name. But if you head down to Tampa, Florida, and mention the name "Andrews," people might not think of the Fox Sports veteran first. They think of her dad.
Steve Andrews isn't just "Erin Andrews' father." He’s a broadcast legend in his own right, a man who spent decades taking down the powerful and sticking up for the little guy. Honestly, when you look at how Erin navigates the high-pressure world of live television, it’s impossible not to see her father’s DNA in every broadcast. He didn’t just give her a love for sports; he gave her a blueprint for survival in a brutal industry.
The Investigative Legend You Didn't Know
Before he was a fixture in the Tampa Bay community, Steve Andrews was a kid from Massachusetts who just wanted to tell stories. He started his career back in 1973 in Lewiston, Maine. He worked radio. He worked TV. He moved the family to San Antonio, Texas, for a bit before finally landing at WFLA-TV in Tampa in 1985.
That move changed everything.
For 35 years, Steve was the face of "8 On Your Side." He wasn’t just reading the news; he was the guy people called when they got cheated by a contractor or ignored by the government. He won 11 Emmy Awards. Think about that. Most people in media would kill for one. He also nabbed the prestigious IRE Medal from the Investigative Reporters and Editors Association.
He helped pass the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019. He basically fought to get disability compensation for tens of thousands of veterans. That’s the kind of legacy we’re talking about here.
Like Father, Like Daughter
Erin has often joked that she and her dad used to play a game when they walked around Tampa: "Who’s going to get recognized first?"
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For a long time, Steve won.
But it wasn't just about fame. Steve was the one who sat on the couch with Erin and watched Hannah Storm interview Charles Barkley. Erin looked at him and said, "Dad, that’s what I want to do." He didn't just say "cool" and move on. He showed her what it actually took.
He taught her about "thick skin."
In a world where Erin was often dismissed as "just a pretty face" early in her career, Steve was her sounding board. He watched every single game she covered. He’d TiVo them. If he couldn't stay up late, he’d wake up at the crack of dawn to watch the recording. He was—and is—her toughest critic and her biggest fan.
Standing by Erin During the Darkest Times
The bond between Steve and Erin Andrews isn't just about career advice. It was forged in some pretty horrific fire.
Most people remember the 2008 stalking incident where a man secretly recorded Erin in her hotel room. It was a national scandal. It was devastating. Steve wasn't just a bystander; he was the one testifying in court, his voice cracking as he talked about the "terrifying" reality of not knowing if his daughter was safe. He stood by her when the FBI made the arrest, and he stood by her through the grueling civil trial that followed.
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Then came the cancer.
In 2016, Erin was diagnosed with cervical cancer. She kept it a secret from almost everyone because she didn't want the "boys' club" of the NFL to look at her differently. But she couldn't keep it from Steve.
Steve later admitted in interviews that it broke him. He said he told God, "Take me, not her. She has been through enough."
When she finally called him after her second surgery to say, "They got it. I'm cancer-free," it was probably the biggest win of both their lives.
Life After the Newsroom
Steve Andrews officially retired from WFLA in 2020. The City of Tampa actually declared an official "Steve Andrews Day." That’s the level of respect he commands.
These days, he’s leaned into the role of "G-Pa." After Erin and her husband Jarret Stoll went through what they called "10 years of hell" with fertility struggles and a heart-wrenching miscarriage, they finally welcomed their son, Mack, via surrogate in 2023.
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Steve calls Mack "the light of our lives."
It’s a different kind of deadline now. Instead of chasing down corrupt politicians, he’s chasing a toddler. And honestly? He seems to like it a lot more.
Why This Matters for You
If you're looking at Steve Andrews’ life, there are a few real-world takeaways that go beyond celebrity gossip:
- The Power of Mentorship: Erin didn’t just "get lucky." she had a mentor who understood the ethics and the grind of journalism. Find someone who has been where you want to go.
- Advocacy as a Career: Steve proved that journalism isn't just about reporting—it's about results. His work for veterans shows that your professional skills can actually change federal law.
- Resilience is a Family Trait: Both Steve and Erin faced public and private "cancellations" of their peace of mind—stalkers, health scares, and career shifts. They stayed grounded by staying connected to each other.
If you want to understand why Erin Andrews is as tough as she is, you don't need to look at her highlight reel. You just need to look at the guy who was behind the investigative desk in Tampa for three and a half decades.
Practical Next Steps:
- Audit Your Support System: Like Steve was for Erin, identify who in your life provides "thick skin" feedback versus just empty praise.
- Look into Local Journalism: Support the investigative reporters in your own city who, like Steve, are "on your side."
- Prioritize Health Screenings: Take a page from Erin’s book—routine checkups save lives. Don't skip them.