NFL reporter 'heartbroken' by personal tragedy after mystery absence from show

Sian JonesSun, May 31, 2026 at 1:43 PM UTC

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NFL reporter Jamie Erdahl revealed she has been dealing with an heartbreaking personal loss -Credit:Getty Images (Getty Images)

NFL Network host Jamie Erdahl has revealed she is grieving the death of her father, Gary, who passed away following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Earlier this year, Erdahl stepped away from Good Morning Football citing an “extremely personal and tragic health situation” involving an immediate family member, before later returning to the show. On Thursday, she opened up publicly about the loss, sharing the heartbreak of her father’s passing after his illness.

"A great man is gone. Three days after the Super Bowl, my Dad was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. And now, he’s not here," Erdahl wrote. "I loved my Dad with my whole heart. And he loved the girls in his life more.

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"My Mom, sister, and I are profoundly sad to be without him. But I am really trying to meet my sadness with appreciation. Grateful he was MY Dad.

"He taught me how to play and love basketball. What it meant to be a selfless point guard, and person. He gave me my love for football. He was so bright, so social, so kind, so inclusive, so generous, so wise. Growing up, I watched him make everyone’s world better. He made mine great. And I’m heartbroken he’s gone. I will love you forever."

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Alongside her emotional post, Erdahl shared a series of personal photos, including one showing her and her father in Minnesota Vikings gear ahead of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, a moment that highlighted their shared connection to the sport.

The announcement prompted a wave of condolences from across NFL Network, with colleagues and fellow broadcasters offering messages of support and sympathy. NFL insider Tom Pelissero said: "Prayers to you and your family, Jamie". While Mike Garafolo added: "So sorry, Jamie. Know it was hard for you and your family. Wishing you all comfort. My condolences."

"Praying for you and your family Jamie. I'm glad you have such great memories to help you smile again one day," David Harrison of the Locked On Network commented.

NFL agent Joe DiBenedetto has said he was the one who took the photo of Jamie Erdahl and her father, adding that he also had the chance to speak with her dad during the moment.

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"We sat there for ten minutes and he spoke about how cool this was to be here with you in Los Angeles, with his daughter… a proud dad through and through. Sorry for your loss Jamie," DiBenedetto wrote.

Erdahl also serves as an anchor on “Good Morning Football: Overtime” and contributes to CBS Sports’ March Madness coverage. Prior to joining NFL Network, she worked as a sideline reporter for “NFL on CBS,” and also held roles as the lead reporter for “SEC on CBS” as well as an in-studio host across the network’s NFL programming.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”