Everyone is aware of Charrisa Thompson at this point right? She has been dubbed by some as the heir apparent to the sideline crown, once Erin Andrews' 15-minutes is up, and she is seemingly much better at answering questions. She responded to a few for Randball today, and the results were pretty awesome....

Randball: Has there been a defining moment so far in your career when you knew that you had “arrived” in a sense?

Charissa Thompson: In New York, it was August or September, and we did an NFL seminar, with all the guys from the NFL. One night we went out and did a team bonding deal at a bowling alley. There were executives, along with guys like Howie Long and Michael Strahan, and we were all bowling, and I looked around, and it was a moment where I learned to appreciate exactly what I was doing. … And a moment on Best Damn when Dr. J. showed up. I thought, “I’ve been given the opportunity to do this for a living.”

RB: We’re in the Internet era, and we’re also in an era where sideline reporters seem to be somewhat of a phenomenon — Erin Andrews and so on. Does it make you more cautious or aware of what you’re doing?

CT: You’d be lying to say you don’t care about those things … there is some ignorance out there and people can say whatever they want. (Someone wrote), “Adult film star is now a Fox reporter.” My name, if you Google it, is the same (as that of an adult film star). It’s ignorance. But … I don’t have to like everybody. Everyone is entitled to an opinion.

RB: What role does apperance play in your field?

CT: You’d be lying if you said it didn’t matter. Two weeks ago, I dyed my hair from blonde to brown, and it was unbelievable how much attention it caused. In dying my hair, I realized how much perception is emphasized in looks. It was a good case study to figure out how you’re looked at. (Appearance) is a foot in the door. Everyone needs a little luck, to show the potential you have.