In the very early stages of working in sports, I was sick of being referred to as "the Barbie doll" because I had long, blond, fake hair. So I went and bought a boxed hair color, dyed my hair black, and put on glasses. And I looked ridiculous. I looked like a completely different person. I was trying to get away from the stereotype but what I realized in doing that is that what I say and how I conduct myself in what I do will speak for itself, and I don't need to apologize for being a woman in that space.
Charissa ThompsonI had spent over 10 years in sports, and there's such a natural crossover between entertainment and sports. It's more common to have both of those in your arsenal.
Charissa ThompsonI don't have to alter the way I look - I can still wear a short, tight dress, but if what I'm saying is correct, then hopefully you garner respect.
Charissa ThompsonI was obsessed with my dad, and my dad would refuse to go to church with us on Sundays because football was on. So I thought to myself, how could I spend more time with my dad? I started watching football with him every Sunday, and it was just something I fell in love with.
Charissa ThompsonI look at the Chrissy Teigens of the world, who I absolutely love, and I wish that I could say some of the stuff that she says. But I know where I want to go in my career path and I know that there are some things I can't say.
Charissa ThompsonI made a mock newscast with my friend Amy. We'd set up the camera, an old VHS camcorder, and I did the sports section and interviewed my brother who pretended to be Jay Buhner... against his will, of course.
Charissa ThompsonIn the very early stages of working in sports, I was sick of being referred to as "the Barbie doll" because I had long, blond, fake hair. So I went and bought a boxed hair color, dyed my hair black, and put on glasses. And I looked ridiculous. I looked like a completely different person. I was trying to get away from the stereotype but what I realized in doing that is that what I say and how I conduct myself in what I do will speak for itself, and I don't need to apologize for being a woman in that space.
Charissa Thompson