By admin 
ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe sadly announced Wednesday that her mother passed away.
Rowe, who has been with ESPN for roughly three decades, is widely regarded as one of the best reporters in college sports. When she’s not covering college football, she’s giving ESPN updates on women’s college basketball. In 2022, she received the Mel Greenberg National Media Award from the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.
While it’s unclear if she’ll be working this weekend, Rowe posted a heartfelt tribute to her mother online.
“We buried my beautiful Mother today. We honored her with the things she loves most…Dr. Pepper, Purple, Butterflies released and music. So grateful for my amazing family. We laughed, cried and loved on each other today,” Rowe wrote on X. “Love you Momma. You raised an amazing family.”
Countless college football fans offered their support to Rowe on Wednesday night.
“What an unimaginably tough week Holly has had,” one person said. “Sending strength and love your way, Holly.”
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“This is why it’s important to be kind to people because you really never know what someone is going through,” a second person commented.
“Holly Rowe never said one word about the UT/Arch Manning drama and she has been attacked and disrespected all week. All of this while she was burying her mother. I hope you all feel appropriately shamed,” another person said.
It’s been a difficult week for Rowe.
As if dealing with a personal loss wasn’t difficult enough, Rowe has been in the headlines this week due to her abrupt interview with Texas coach Steve Sarkisian.
After Sarkisian stormed off the field Saturday night, someone made an AI-generated video of him slapping Rowe. It generated enough attention that Arch Manning brought it up on Monday. He later apologized to Rowe for his insensitive remarks.
“In my press conference yesterday, I made an insensitive comment about an AI video. There is nothing funny about it. It’s easy to say I didn’t mean it, but I know my words and actions were hurtful to a lot of people. I do not take that lightly and am deeply sorry for that,” Manning wrote on Instagram. “I specifically want to apologize to Holly Rowe for what she has personally had to deal with because of my comments. I have a ton of respect for her and appreciate her showing me grace in this moment. I need to do better and will be more thoughtful going forward.”
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We’re wishing Rowe all the best during this difficult time.
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This story was originally published September 17, 2026 at 6:30 AM.