ESPN reporter Jenna Laine announced Sunday evening that she will be stepping away from her role as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat writer due to a medical issue. Laine explained her absence on the social media platform X, stating she has 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," Laine wrote.
She has covered the Buccaneers for ESPN since 2016 and has made multiple appearances on ESPN Radio and television programs. Laine's colleagues and members of the sports community have offered their support and well wishes following her announcement.
"Lot of us concerned about You this past week," wrote fellow Bucs reporter Ira Kaufman. ESPN colleague Seth Wickersham commented, "Hope you feel better soon."
Tampa sports radio host Christopher Mathis expressed concern, noting, "I noticed you weren’t in the press conference room and I was wondering what was going on." Fox 9 anchor Dawn Mitchell also sent her support, stating, "I've had 2 serious back injuries in the past & know how the entire toll can hit. You've got this… but in the interim when things are heavy like this – please know people are in your corner."
Laine's most recent post on X was to send prayers to Lions linebacker Jack Campbell, who suffered a serious neck injury on Sunday evening.