Full Breakdown
Charissa Thompson: Balancing Sports and Ranch Life
2/9/2026, 1:54:59 AM
Charissa Thompson's Dual Life
Charissa Thompson, a prominent Fox Sports studio host, spends her NFL offseason at Ruby Ranch, a 75-acre property in Emerald City, California, which she purchased in 2021. The ranch is home to a variety of rescued animals, including six cattle, four horses, two ducks, two sheep, one pig, five cats, and five dogs. Thompson, who co-hosts Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” pre- and postgame shows, describes her time at the ranch as fulfilling and essential for balancing her high-energy career in sports broadcasting.
The Inspiration Behind Ruby Ranch
Thompson's passion for ranching was ignited by the television series "Yellowstone." She expressed a desire to save animals, stating, “It’s definitely a passion project to how I wish I could save all these animals.” Her commitment to animal rescue has transformed Ruby Ranch into both a sanctuary and a business, with proceeds from merchandise sold at the ranch supporting animal rescue efforts. During the NFL season, Thompson employs two full-time staff members to care for the animals, ensuring their well-being while she fulfills her broadcasting duties.
Personal Life and Future Aspirations
Thompson's boyfriend, Steve Cundari, also contributes to the ranch's upkeep during the football season. The couple met through mutual friends, including Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Together, they have worked on various projects at the ranch, including filming promotional content for brands like XXIO, a Japanese golf company for which Thompson serves as an ambassador.
Thompson designed various structures on the ranch, including her home, a guest cottage, and a general store, all inspired by her love for "The Wizard of Oz." She named the ranch after the ruby red slippers from the film, reflecting her belief that “there’s no place like home.” This sentiment resonates with her philosophy that any living space should be a place of safety and comfort.
Official Statements & Responses
In an interview, Thompson remarked, “As cheesy as it sounds, it fulfills me. It really balances the scale of the world I live in, which is great — TV, lights and makeup.” She emphasized the importance of her ranch life in motivating her professional endeavors, stating, “I can’t have one without the other.”
Criticism & Opposition
While Thompson's passion for animal rescue is commendable, some critics may argue about the sustainability of such a large-scale operation, particularly regarding the financial and logistical challenges of maintaining a ranch while pursuing a demanding career in sports broadcasting.
What's Next
Thompson's commercial for Bounty, which features her enjoying wings with former NFL player Rob Gronkowski, is set to air during Super Bowl 2026. This event marks another intersection of her dual passions for sports and ranching, showcasing her unique lifestyle to a broader audience.
