On January 11, 2026, the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia had all the usual ingredients of an NFL classic: high stakes, passionate fans, and a fiercely competitive atmosphere. Yet, as the teams battled on the field, it was Fox Sports sideline reporter Erin Andrews who unexpectedly became the game’s most talked-about figure—not for her reporting, but for her unforgettable choice of outerwear.
Andrews, 47, is no stranger to the spotlight. As one of the most recognized faces in sports broadcasting, she’s spent 14 years with Fox, covering some of the league’s biggest moments. But nothing in her extensive career quite prepared her—or the internet—for the viral sensation that erupted when she appeared on screen in a massive, black-and-ivory fur coat. According to Fox Sports, the coat was a practical choice, given Philadelphia’s game-time temperatures in the 30s (Fahrenheit) and strong, biting winds. Still, practicality quickly gave way to spectacle as social media lit up with reactions to her dramatic look.
The coat, believed to be THE FOX JACKET in Smoke Noir by Auter and retailing for $950, featured an exaggerated collar and a bold, sculptural silhouette. The brand describes it as a “refined statement piece in plush faux fur, defined by a sculptural oversized shawl collar and bold smoke-and-black palette.” The plush texture, according to Auter’s website, “adds depth and structure while maintaining fluid movement.” For Andrews, it was both “warm yet lightweight”—an ideal combination for the frigid Philadelphia weather.
But warmth aside, what truly set the internet ablaze were the endless comparisons and jokes. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) likened Andrews’ look to everything from Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians to an emu, and even to Ric Flair and mafia wives. “Erin Andrews woke this morning and said ‘Imma slay bitches y’all!’” one user quipped, while another joked, “Philadelphia, hide your puppies! Erin Andrews is in town.” A third fan couldn’t resist: “Erin Andrews took out the entire polar bear exhibit at the Philadelphia Zoo to make this coat.” Even Merriam-Webster joined the fun, chiming in with, “Fun fact: a group of emus is called a ‘mob.’”
The commentary wasn’t limited to social media. On air, Fox analyst Michael Strahan praised Andrews’ bold style, noting that her coat “had everyone talking.” The in-studio team and broadcast booth referenced the coat multiple times, requesting more information and marveling at its presence. Each time, Andrews deflected the attention with a smile, brushing off questions and focusing on her analysis and interviews. Her professionalism shone through, as she continued to deliver updates—most notably confirming the heartbreaking Achilles tear suffered by 49ers tight end George Kittle, a blow that ended his season and cast doubt on the start of his next.
Before kickoff, Andrews had already made waves with another outfit—a stunning dress she wore while interviewing 49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey. The pregame look, too, sparked online debate, with some fans praising her fashion sense and others calling it distracting or even “inappropriate.” “Who picked out Erin Andrews’ outfit? 🤦♂️,” one fan wrote, while another added, “And she wonders why true sports fans don’t take her seriously.” Yet, for every critic, there was a supporter. One fan declared, “Erin Andrews is wearing THE HELL outta that coat.” Another gushed, “I’d f***ing kill for that coat. I can’t focus on what Erin Andrews is saying because I’m mesmerized by her coat.”
Veteran media writer Richard Deitsch weighed in on the broader debate, noting, “The position is valuable is my point. How you feel about specific reporters will always be subjective. Personally, I don’t care what anyone wears. Just ask good Qs, don’t be a league propagandist, and get info.” His comments echoed a sentiment shared by many in the industry: while outfits may draw attention, substance and skill remain the true measure of a reporter’s worth.
Andrews herself seemed unfazed by the online storm. Despite the memes, jokes, and even some criticism, she carried on with her duties, providing critical updates on player injuries and keeping fans informed throughout the game. Her resilience and focus under the spotlight only strengthened her reputation as one of the best in the business. As Daily Mail noted, “Andrews continued to demonstrate herself as one of the best in the business.”
The spectacle surrounding Andrews’ coat even overshadowed another notable fashion moment: Olivia Culpo, wife of 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, also donned a long faux fur coat. Culpo completed her look with a McCaffrey San Francisco Football T-shirt, jeans, maroon gloves, and a matching bag. She, too, became a topic of conversation, especially after a TikTok clip showed her nervously supporting her husband during the high-stakes game.
Meanwhile, on the field, the Eagles led the Wild Card game 13-10 at halftime, with the 49ers fighting to keep their season alive despite a mounting injury list. The Fox broadcast team—Kevin Burkhardt on play-by-play, Tom Brady in the analyst’s chair, and Tom Rinaldi working the sidelines alongside Andrews—delivered their commentary as the drama unfolded both on and off the turf.
The reaction to Andrews’ coat was a reminder of how quickly moments can go viral in today’s hyperconnected world. What began as a sensible response to the cold quickly became a meme, sparking debates about fashion, professionalism, and the role of women in sports media. Some fans questioned whether attention to wardrobe detracted from the job, while others celebrated Andrews for her confidence and flair. As one social media user put it, “Erin Andrews wore this knowing full well she was gonna become a meme.”
For all the chatter, one thing was clear: Erin Andrews’ coat had a life of its own, racking up points online even as the players battled for victory on the field. Whether praised, critiqued, or simply laughed at, the coat—and the conversation it inspired—will likely be remembered long after the final whistle. In a game full of surprises, sometimes it’s the unexpected moments that stick with us the most.
