Amanda Balionis on ‘heart-shattering events’ during 2024 golf season

Amanda Balionis Bids Farewell to 2024 Golf Season Amid Emotional Reflections, Prepares for New Role in NFL Reporting

CBS sports journalist Amanda Balionis has announced her departure from covering golf, at least temporarily, as she transitions to a new role in the NFL. The 39-year-old reporter shared the news in a heartfelt Instagram post, reflecting on the challenges and emotional moments that marked her time in the sport.

Balionis, who has been a familiar face on the golf course, revealed that she will now focus on the football field as an NFL sideline reporter for the upcoming season. In her post, she spoke candidly about the “heart-shattering events” she experienced during her tenure in golf, hinting at personal struggles that may have impacted her career.

“This year had it all,” Balionis wrote. “From historic moments to heart-shattering events and every other emotion you can imagine in between. I love this game. I love working in sports.”

She emphasized the honor of being part of the sports broadcasting team, celebrating the inspiration, drama, and teamwork that come with covering competitive sports. “It’s an honor to be a very small part of a tremendous team that brings these moments and stories to life each weekend,” she continued. “If we left you with one new favorite player or one memorable moment you shared with loved ones, then we have done our jobs.”

Balionis also shared a slideshow of photos from her time on the golf course, including interviews with players like Rory McIlroy and presentations at various tournaments. Her experience in sports reporting extends beyond golf, as she has also covered both NFL and college football.

Balionis’s personal life has been under scrutiny this year, particularly her relationship with former Ravens quarterback Bryn Renner, whom she married in 2022. The couple is believed to have separated in 2024, as Balionis removed her married name from her social media profiles. Following the split, she was rumored to be linked to golfer Rory McIlroy.

McIlroy, who was previously engaged in a brief divorce proceeding with his wife Erica Stoll, made a public statement in June addressing rumors about his personal life. “There have been rumors about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumor is a fool’s game,” McIlroy told *The Guardian*. “Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”

Balionis, meanwhile, is looking ahead to her new chapter in NFL reporting, leaving behind a significant legacy in golf coverage as she embarks on this new venture. “Catch ya on the NFL sidelines until next season!” she concluded in her post.