ESPN Reporter Announces She’s Stepping Away With Concerning Medical Issue
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Social media is worried about Jenna Laine. The NFL Nation reporter for ESPN has been covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2016.
She has covered the Buccaneers and the NFL across radio and television. Unfortunately, she won’t be doing that for some time as her health is starting to deteriorate.
On Sunday, Laine shared a health update that had fans and colleagues worried.
ESPN’s Jenna Laine Steps Away for Medical Reasons, Colleagues Concerned
On Sunday night, Buccaneers reporter Jenna Laine announced she will be stepping away from her beat. Consequently, she stated it was due to “medical stuff” that has left her feeling “knocked down.”
“Was inactive today, and will be for a bit. Have had to do some medical stuff,” she wrote on X.
https://twitter.com/JennaLaineESPN/status/2117071191915806854
“Next week is the anniversary of my back surgery, and I’m honestly just really tired of feeling knocked down. Didn’t even want to say anything. But that’s where we are. Love y’all 🫶”
Ira Kaufman, Pro Football Hall of Famer, reposted her announcement, and commented “Lot of us concerned about You this past week” on X.
“Jenna – I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m thinking of you and sending you strength,” Fox 9 anchor and Vikings postgame show host Dawn commented.
Jenna – I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m thinking of you and sending you strength. I’ve had 2 serious back injuries in the past & know how the entire toll can hit. You’ve got this… but in the interim when things are heavy like this – please know people are in your corner…
— Dawn Mitchell (@DawnAtFOX9) November 2, 2026
“I’ve had 2 serious back injuries in the past & know how the entire toll can hit. You’ve got this… but in the interim, when things are heavy like this – please know people are in your corner.”
ESPN’s Seth Wickersham added, “Hope you feel better soon.”
Before joining ESPN in 2016, Jenna Laine hosted sports talk on various Tampa radio stations and served as a USF football sideline reporter and FOX Sports 1 TV correspondent.
She has written for USA Today, Yahoo, and Pewter Report. Her education includes a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Mass Communication from the University of South Florida. Laine is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Association for Women in Sports Media.
