Jenna Laine is known to many for her work on ESPN. However, she recently shared that she was stepping back from the show. This also comes out after sharing health issues she was dealing with last year.
Jenna Laine Has Been Part Of Various ESPN Media Over The Years
Laine joined ESPN in 2016 as the reporter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Throughout this time, she would provide daily analysis for ESPN’s website, as well as appearances on its network and radio.
Prior to this, Laine worked in Tampa Bay sports radio and media. This included hosting on Sports Talk 1040 AM and AM 820 News. She also served as a sideline reporter for USF football radio broadcasts.
Recently, however, Laine reported that she was stepping away from the network due to a medical issue. She announced the news on Sunday night after the team had just beaten the Atlanta Falcons.
Last November, Laine required urgent surgery. At the time, this forced her to take a leave of absence from her work reporting on the NFL. Reportedly, the same issue had led her to once again walk away for the time being.
Fans Told Laine That They Hoped They Would Soon See Her Back On Her Feet
In a post on X, Laine shared, “Was inactive today, and will be for a bit. Have had to do some medical stuff. 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.”
When she previously shared news of stepping back from the show in 2025, Laine also emphasized why the procedure was necessary, although she admitted to have been pushing it back. She shared, “I did everything I could to buy time until after the season but I’ve exhausted all other options, and the longer I wait, the more I run the risk of permanent nerve damage.”
Was inactive today, and will be for a bit. Have had to do some medical stuff. 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 🫶
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) November 2, 2026
With her more recent share, fans have been sharing words of support. While her wording suggested that she would only be taking a “bit of a break,” many emphasized that they hoped to see her back on ESPN soon. Some comments included:
- “Hoping for a full and speedy recovery and can’t wait to see you out there again soon!”
- “You got this! Just have to stay positive and keep moving forward!!”
- “Praying all goes well! Get back to us healthy and soon!!”
- “Take care of yourself Jenna. Hope you are back on your feet soon!”
- “One foot in front of the other, one step at a time, no matter the pace ALWAYS moving forward. Sending love and prayers.”
- “You know what Jenna, you are strong & no doubt this is exhausting for you. We have been there & just when you can’t take it, you can because people you don’t even know are in your corner.”
I wanted to wait until after the game so I could give it my full attention, but I’m having back surgery tomorrow. I did everything I could to buy time until after the season but I’ve exhausted all other options, and the longer I wait, the more I run the risk of permanent nerve damage.
I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but a big thank you to those who got word already and have sent well wishes ❤️ THANK YOU! I’m immensely grateful to you, to my family, my colleagues at ESPN, the Bucs and to my fellow reporters on the beat here in Tampa. I’ll be back.
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) November 10, 2025
What is your reaction to Jenna Laine’s recent share? Have you been following this story? Have you watched her on ESPN? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.