Tracy Wolfson, CBS Sports' lead NFL sideline reporter, is gearing up for one of the biggest sporting events of the year - Super Bowl LVIII. With her extensive experience and expertise, Wolfson will be taking viewers behind the scenes as she covers the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
As the lead sideline reporter, Wolfson will be stationed on one side of the field while her counterpart covers the other team. This will be Wolfson's fifth Super Bowl and fourth as the lead sideline reporter. However, her journey to this high-profile role had a surprising start. Initially assigned to cover pre-game and post-game for Super Bowl XLVII, she unexpectedly found herself on the air when the lights went out during the infamous 'Harbaugh Bowl' in New Orleans.
For Wolfson, being the sideline reporter for the Super Bowl is a dream come true. She describes it as the 'epitome of all games' and recognizes its significance as one of the most-watched and globally renowned events. Since her childhood, Wolfson aspired to be a sideline reporter, and she now embraces the opportunity to be front and center on Super Bowl Sunday.
Besides her personal fulfillment, Wolfson also hopes to inspire young girls who dream of breaking into male-dominated industries. As a mentor herself, she takes seriously the responsibility of paving the way for others and recognizes that she wouldn't be where she is today without those who came before her.
With the Super Bowl week in full swing, Wolfson is busy with a range of obligations and extensive game preparation. While the week presents additional events and activities, she approaches the game itself with the same dedication and focus as any other football matchup. Part of her preparation includes extensive research, utilizing social media and reaching out to coaches and players for insights. Meetings with the teams and conducting interviews further enhance her depth of understanding.
Sideline reporting for a big game like the Super Bowl involves more than meets the eye. Contrary to popular belief, it isn't scripted or prepared by someone else. As the eyes and ears on the field, Wolfson's role is akin to that of an investigative reporter. She actively seeks out stories, observes the game's nuances, and relays information that the booth commentators may not have access to. Balancing the desire to bring relevant insights to the audience while not overwhelming them with an excess of information becomes a paramount task.
Being on the sideline, amidst the intensity and energy of the game, is an experience Wolfson thoroughly enjoys. Though it can be physically demanding and sometimes even hazardous, she appreciates the feeling of being in the moment. Whether it's evading players during warm-ups or capturing interviews, she relishes the thrill of the game and strives to elicit meaningful responses from players and coaches.
Navigating interviews presents its own challenges, as not all athletes and coaches are forthcoming. Wolfson's years of experience have honed her ability to gauge individuals' media aptitude and approach each interview accordingly. Building trust and rapport through consistent coverage allows her to delve deeper into their world and elicit compelling responses. However, she also acknowledges the need to be prepared for curt answers and occasional frustrations, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Looking ahead to this year's Super Bowl, Wolfson is excited about the prospect of a competitive game that goes down to the wire. She relishes the unexpected presence of the Kansas City Chiefs who defied expectations, and she anticipates the intriguing storyline of Travis and Taylor. Moreover, with Las Vegas hosting its first Super Bowl, Wolfson is eager to witness the energy and spectacle of the strip, the stadium, the fans, and the teams all coming together for this unique experience.
As Tracy Wolfson prepares to take on her role as the lead sideline reporter for Super Bowl LVIII, she is fueled by her passion for sports and her dedication to delivering the inside scoop to viewers. With her wealth of experience, Wolfson has earned her place as one of the prominent voices in sports broadcasting. As Sunday night approaches, fans everywhere eagerly await her insights and reports from the sidelines, adding an extra layer of excitement to the Super Bowl experience.
