ESPN Host Shae Peppler Cornette Apologizes for Wearing Green Bay Packers Jersey On Air
A sports broadcast took an unexpected turn when an ESPN host — an outspoken Bears fan — chose to wear a Packers jersey on-air. An apology to Chicago Bears fans soon followed.
What You Need to Know...
An ESPN host apologized on for wearing a rival team’s jersey during a training camp segment.
The incident involved Shae Peppler Cornette, a Chicago Bears fan, donning Green Bay Packers colors.
Her apology, “I’m sorry, Bears fans—this was the hand I was dealt while covering the Packers,” aimed to smooth things over.
The gaffe sparked mixed reactions, highlighting the passion of NFL rivalries.
It’s a lesson in sports media balance—let’s dive in!
Who Is Shae Peppler Cornette?
Shae Peppler Cornette is an ESPN SportsCenter anchor and host of ESPN Radio's GameDay on weekends. She previously worked as a Chicago Bears reporter for Fox 32, where she hosted "Bears Unleashed," a weekly sports show. A Hoosiers alum and mom, she’s married to Jordan Cornette, a former basketball player, whom she met in Chicago during her Fox 32 days.
Her deep roots in Chicago sports make her Bears loyalty a point of pride, adding context to her recent misstep. It’s a relatable journey from local reporter to national host, showing her dedication to the game.
What Happened with the ESPN Host’s Apology?
ESPN host Shae Peppler Cornette issued a public apology after wearing a Green Bay Packers jersey while covering the team’s training camp. As a known Chicago Bears fan, her choice of rival colors during a “SportsCenter” segment, part of ESPN’s “50 States in 50 Days” tour with Ryan Clark, surprised viewers. The NFC North rivalry amplified the moment.
Her apology, shared on Instagram, was straightforward: “I’m sorry, Bears fans—this was the hand I was dealt while covering the Packers.” It’s a human moment, showing how even seasoned hosts can face an on-air challenge, and it invited a bit of lighthearted relief.
What Is the Bears-Packers Rivalry Backstory?
The Bears-Packers rivalry kicked off in 1921, making it the NFL’s oldest, with 210 meetings and the Packers leading 107-95-6. Their first game saw the Packers edge out the Bears 20-0, setting the stage for decades of fierce competition in the NFC North.
The rivalry hit a milestone in 2022 when the Packers surpassed the Bears for the most NFL wins. It’s a storied clash that fans cherish, fueling the passion behind every matchup.
Why Did the Jersey Choice Cause Such a Stir?
Cornette wore the Packers jersey to cover their training camp on location, but her Bears fandom made it a bold move. The NFC North rivalry runs deep, and some Chicago fans felt betrayed, taking to X with playful jabs and real disappointment. It’s easy to understand how a wardrobe choice can stir such strong emotions.
Others saw it as a respectful nod to the home team, appreciating her effort. It’s a situation where intentions met intense loyalty, creating a moment of tension and support.
How Did Fans and Colleagues React?
Reactions ranged from humor to heat, with Bears fans teasing a “career-ending” blunder on X, while Packers fans enjoyed the laugh. Colleagues like Ryan Clark added on-air banter, turning the incident into a shared moment rather than a rift. It reflects the lively spirit of NFL fandom.
This mix of responses shows how sports can connect and divide. The lighthearted exchange brought a smile, proving even mistakes can build bridges.
What Does This Mean for ESPN’s Coverage?
The incident highlights ESPN’s challenge to maintain neutrality amid hosts’ personal team ties. Cornette’s apology underscores the network’s effort to keep trust with viewers, especially during high-profile segments like training camp. It’s a delicate task, and this offers a chance to refine their approach.
For fans, it adds a relatable layer to the broadcast. The honesty in her words could strengthen the connection, showing sports media’s human side.
Could This Affect Future Broadcasts?
The jersey mix-up might prompt ESPN to adjust wardrobe rules, avoiding rival colors in tense rivalries as the NFL season nears. Cornette’s likability likely limits any lasting impact, keeping it a minor hiccup. It’s a small lesson in a big career.
Viewers can take it in stride, knowing future broadcasts might include a wardrobe review. It’s a reminder that even pros can benefit from a second look.
What’s the Takeaway for Sports Fans?
This story brings a warm moment to the rivalry, showcasing the heart in sports media. Cornette’s apology turned a wardrobe slip into a chance for unity, with the $18 billion NFL industry thriving on such passion. It’s a reminder that errors can lead to connection, not just critique.
Fans can anticipate more coverage with a bit more care—perhaps a jersey check next time—enhancing every game night. It’s the kind of story that keeps the NFL spirit alive!
News compiled by Ivy Adams for Pirates & Princesses. Listen to the Pirates & Princesses Podcast on Spotify and other podcast platforms. Subscribe for more news and information on Disney, Universal, fashion, travel, entertainment and more.
Sources:
Yahoo Sports: "ESPN Host Apologizes to NFL Fanbase for Training Camp Outfit" (https://sports.yahoo.com/article/espn-host-apologizes-nfl-fanbase-205554466.html)
ESPN: "SportsCenter" Broadcast Updates
X Trends on Shae Peppler Cornette Apology (general data)
Forbes: "NFL Valuation" (2025 estimates)
Chicago Tribune: "NFC North Rivalries"
The Spun: "ESPN Host’s Outfit Controversy"