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Sideline Reporter Jody Carter Serves Thanksgiving Shade to Ex-Kicker Kurt Thompson

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 16:58 GMT by Total Pro Sports

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Sideline Reporter Throws Shade at Ex‑Boyfriend with Petty Thanksgiving Photo

On November 23, 2023, a seemingly innocent Thanksgiving‑themed Instagram post by a well‑known NFL sideline reporter sparked a wave of speculation and discussion on social media. The photo, which appeared to be a simple thank‑you to friends and family, carried a subtle but unmistakable jab at the reporter’s former boyfriend—a former NFL player who is currently a free agent heading into the 2024 offseason. The incident, captured in the article “Sideline Reporter Throws Shade at Ex‑Boyfriend with Petty Thanksgiving Photo” on Total Pro Sports, provides a detailed look at the circumstances surrounding the post, the personal histories involved, and the fallout from fans and pundits alike.

Who Is the Reporter?

The sideline reporter in question, whose real name is Jordan “Jody” Carter, has built a reputation as one of the most visible faces on the sidelines of the NFL. She began her broadcasting career at WXYZ Sports Network before joining the NFL’s flagship Sunday Night Football crew in 2017. Over the past six years, Carter has covered multiple Super Bowls, interviewed high‑profile athletes, and gained a sizable following on Instagram, where she frequently shares behind‑the‑scenes moments from games, training camps, and her personal life.

Carter’s Instagram feed is notable for its candid, upbeat tone. The platform has often served as a conduit for the reporter’s personal narrative—particularly her past romantic relationships with players. This context makes the Thanksgiving post all the more intriguing to her followers.

The Ex‑Boyfriend

The subject of the post’s “shade” is Kurt “Kicker” Thompson, a former NFL placekicker who played a decade in the league. Thompson, who last played for the Baltimore Ravens during the 2020 season, is now a free agent as the 2024 draft approaches. He’s widely recognized for his long‑range field‑goal consistency and a reputation for being outspoken on player‑union issues. His career spanned 12 seasons, during which he accumulated 1,300 field‑goal attempts and a 77.3% success rate.

The article references Thompson’s NFL.com player profile, which provides a detailed career statistics sheet and an overview of his contractual history. Thompson’s free‑agency status, highlighted by a link to a SportsNet piece on his potential team destinations, added a layer of urgency to the story: every public appearance or statement he makes carries weight for teams looking to sign him.

The Photo That Spoke Volumes

Carter’s Thanksgiving post, posted at 2:30 p.m. EST, showcased a rustic spread: a golden‑brown turkey, a platter of cranberry sauce, and a small ceramic bowl of pumpkin pie. The caption read: “Feeling grateful for love, family, and a little extra turkey on the side. 🦃” At first glance, the message seemed innocuous. However, subtle clues in the composition and accompanying text pointed directly to Thompson.

A closer look at the photo reveals a small handwritten note placed beside the turkey—“Thank you for all the memories.” The note was penned in a cursive style that matches a signature Thompson has used in past public posts, according to a quick comparison with his Instagram stories from the 2022 holiday season. Additionally, the post’s hashtag list included #ThankfulForAll, a hashtag that Carter had used in a previous post featuring Thompson’s name in the comments.

The article’s accompanying commentary by NFL analyst Mike “Mikey” Ramirez suggested that Carter’s photo served as a subtle “poker face” at Thompson, implying that the couple’s breakup was not as amicable as it may have appeared. Ramirez’s comment was echoed by many followers in the comment section, who speculated that Carter was subtly reminding her audience that she was “moving on” after a “bumpy” relationship.

The Aftermath and Public Reaction

Within hours of the post’s release, the story proliferated across the NFL’s social media ecosystem. Thompson’s own Instagram handle was tagged in the post, though he opted not to reply publicly. However, a fan account that aggregates all of Thompson’s posts quickly responded with a sarcastic meme that read: “Thanks for the turkey, Carter. I’ve been waiting for a holiday treat!” The meme went viral, garnering over 200,000 likes and 15,000 comments in a single day.

Meanwhile, Carter’s employer, the NFL’s Sunday Night Football production team, issued a brief statement that the reporter’s personal posts are a matter of her own discretion and that they are not involved in any way. The statement also emphasized the broadcaster’s continued focus on professionalism and adherence to network guidelines.

The Total Pro Sports article noted that this incident is not isolated. In the past month, Carter has been involved in at least two other social‑media controversies—most notably her post about a teammate’s “late‑night” practice habit, which drew criticism from the player’s team management. The article referenced a previous piece on Total Pro Sports that chronicled the fallout from Carter’s “Late‑Night Practice Post” and how it led to an internal review by the broadcasting network.

Broader Context: Sideline Reporters in the Age of Social Media

The piece also delves into the broader phenomenon of NFL sideline reporters using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter to curate their personal brand. The article links to an earlier Total Pro Sports feature that discusses the ethical implications of reporters sharing personal life details that involve current or former players. The article highlights the fine line reporters must walk: while personal stories can endear them to fans, they can also raise questions about impartiality and professional boundaries.

According to the article, the NFL has issued guidelines that discourage reporters from posting content that could be interpreted as “partiality” or “conflict of interest.” While Carter’s post falls within the realm of permissible personal content, the timing—just days before the NFL’s free‑agency market opens—made the post particularly sensitive.

What Comes Next?

In the weeks following the incident, both Carter and Thompson have remained largely silent. Carter’s next scheduled appearance on Sunday Night Football is slated for December 4, and her social media activity has slowed dramatically, with only one post a week for the rest of the season. Thompson, meanwhile, remains a hot commodity in free‑agency circles, with the SportsNet article cited earlier predicting that he may sign with a team that has a strong kicking program.

The Total Pro Sports article closes by speculating on the potential long‑term effects of the incident. While Carter’s ratings have not yet dipped, her future in the high‑visibility sideline reporter role will be influenced by how the NFL and its fan base view her use of personal platforms. As for Thompson, the article suggests that any public perception of a “strained” relationship could inadvertently affect his brand value—especially since many teams consider public relations as a factor in player acquisitions.

In Summary

The Thanksgiving photo incident involving sideline reporter Jordan “Jody” Carter and former NFL player Kurt “Kicker” Thompson serves as a micro‑cosm of the modern media landscape in professional sports. What began as a seemingly harmless post evolved into a sharp commentary on personal relationships, professional boundaries, and the power of social media to shape narratives. The article from Total Pro Sports not only chronicles the event but also provides a broader lens through which to view the challenges that come with being a public figure in the world of NFL broadcasting.