By BRITTANY CHAIN, US SENIOR REPORTER
Published: 01:36 EST, 11 November 2025 | Updated: 01:36 EST, 11 November 2025
A beloved ESPN reporter has revealed she is stepping away from her role immediately to undergo surgery on her back.
Jenna Laine, who reports on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, revealed on Sunday she had been carrying a severe back condition but was hoping to wait until the post season to address the problem.
'I wanted to wait until after the game so I could give it my full attention, but I'm having back surgery tomorrow,' she revealed after the Buccaneers lost 23-28.
'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.'
Laine said she hopes to get back to work soon, but it's too early to tell how long her recovery will take.
'I'm not sure when I'll be back,' she confessed, 'but a big thank you to those who got word already and have sent well wishes.'
'I'll be back.'
Laine has been a reporter with ESPN since 2016, assisting with coverage of the games across radio and television programs.
Jenna Laine, who reports on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, revealed on Sunday she had been carrying a severe back condition but was hoping to wait until the post season to address the problem
She was inundated with well wishes on her X post announcing the surgery.
'Always choose you first..... best of health to you, and the process will pay off for your future,' one supporter wrote.
'One of the best on the Bucs beat. Wishing you a speedy recovery,' a second added.
'Jenna, you're part of our Bucs family and nation. Take care and God Bless. God has this! What ever your decision we hope you come back,' a third wrote.
Laine had previously shared how working as a sideline reporter for the Buccaneers was a lifelong dream she'd had since she was eight years old.
At the time, she was gymnastics-obsessed, and 'witnessed Tampa Bay Buccaneer Horace Copeland perform a celebratory backflip in the end zone.
'That's when my football fan hood began. They were still being called 'The Yucks' back in those days, but as a gymnast myself, it sure got my attention.
'To this day, I'm still a sucker for 'end zone gymnastics,' even more than the actual gymnastics I loved so much growing up.'
A beloved ESPN reporter has revealed she is stepping away from her role immediately to undergo surgery on her back
Laine said she hopes to be back on the tools, but it is too early to tell how long her recovery will take
Laine revealed she was so dedicated to her goal of one day working for ESPN, that she wrote the letters 'in green and gold glitter on top of my graduation cap.'
That cap, she said, found a permanent home on the dresser in her bedroom, serving as a constant reminder of the goal she set herself.