Jenn Sterger: The Complete 'Broadway Bombshell' Interview | Bob's Blitz

Jenn Sterger: The Complete 'Broadway Bombshell' Interview



Jennifer, the ‘Broadway Bombshell,’ Sterger turned a chance 15 second TV glimpse and a Brent Musberger comment into appearances in Maxim and Playboy Magazines (within one month of each other) and a job writing for Sports Illustrated. Now she is host of the New York Jets’ “Keys to theGame” pregame show at home games and handles halftime & sideline journalistic duties.



But things haven’t always gone smoothly for Sterger. The internet – which helped fuel her wild popularity – has also been a breeding ground for detractors. A Google of ‘Jenn Sterger’ pulls up tens thousands of fan sites and admirers. But it also pulls up thousands of derogatory comments and falsehoods.

Jenn joined the Blitz for a 45 minute conversation today. This double major (psychology and criminal justice) is almost at the 3 year anniversary of the Musberger statement (September 5) and is proving all the cynics wrong. 15 minutes? Hardly.

We’re going to address all of the web misconceptions, her thoughts on Erin Andrews, and…why the hell she was driving to Tampa with blood on her hands.

We have some never before published photos of Jenn about midway through - We also have been told that she will have some breaking news next week to report. Stay tuned.

Bob’s Blitz: How’s Jersey been treating you?

Jenn Sterger: It’s a little different than I’m used to but Hoboken has been great.

BB: Well, you’ve got Florida like weather here this week. And they’ve got Hanna.

JS: It’s actually a lot nicer than Florida right now. Hanna sucks but Gustov just skirted my parents so they’re ok.

BB: Well that’s good to hear. Thank you for calling us today.

JS: No worries!

BB: What was your relationship with the Jets prior to joining them full time this season? I’ve seen you on the sidelines a few times the past couple of years.

JS: The Jets had me do celebrity interviews and they also had me there as a celebrity guest as a Playboy model, as an SI Columnist. They got a very good response to me and liked how I interacted with the fans. So this year they thought I would be a great face for the Jets utilizing an idea that the Philadelphia Eagles use – a totally in-house media production center and something other than random dudes in the box above. So they gave me a shot and and I’ve had an absolute blast so far this season. The work is Jets’ property and will be Jets’ web material but I am hoping SNY and CBS picks up some of it as well. I’ve done some interviews for SNY and anything that they picked up would be awesome.

BB: What is your security detail like while you patrol the sidelines?

JS: I have a bodyguard – Tim – and he is excellent. He can throw down. The Jets haven’t introduced me into the crowd yet – I’m mostly on the sidelines – but once I start to do crowd interviews (if we decide to go that route) and such he will be a big help.

BB: Well, just a tip for Tim – if he sees Broadway Joe and he’s had a couple – keep him away from you.

JS: Laughter. I know! Exactly, right.

BB: Sarah Palin is an ex-sports journalist and she’s just been named VP candidate for John McCain. You’ve said that in the end you want to ‘matter’. So what do you do from here?

JS: I look at every opportunity and don’t rule things out. I’ve turned things down that were not a good fit. The Jets seemed like a great move for me. I’m really liking the city which is something that I didn’t think I’d ever say! I don’t plan on running for VP anytime soon but later in life if the shoe fits then so be it.

BB: OK, I want to clarify some things. There are misconceptions on the internet.

JS: Oh, believe me, that’s my day to day.

BB: Ever met Brent Musberger?

JS: Met him at the University of Oregon and I was shocked that he remembered me. He said that he had no idea what was going to come from those 15 seconds of film but that I gave him one of the best cutaway shots they’d had in years. It was a blast meeting him and he’s a super nice guy. I run into his crew from time to time and they always ask for new pictures and such and, of course, I am very gracious about that! He’s an outstanding sportscaster and I absolutely love him.

BB: And it just snowballed from there – those 15 seconds?

JS: Within 6 months Playboy and Maxim had tracked me down and published. Playboy’s recruiters asked around. They said we do not know who she is but here’s a picture and luckily my boss at the time said, “Oh yeah, she’ll be into work in an hour.” Maxim found me as well and fast tracked the issue. I was in New York for the first time ever, freezing cold in December, a few days later and the Maxim layout came out in March followed by Playboy in April. And I was able to see New York at Christmas time.

BB: Cool. So, how long after Maxim did SI contact you?

JS: SI contacted me in February of 2006 looking for me to write about the whirlwind that had been my life since September 5, 2005. So I wrote them a story that was passed to their editors and they were shocked that I was able to write complete sentences. Then they tried me out doing a sports themed advice column that grew into game day interviews and articles. Talking about what it is like to be the college fan.

BB: So why did it end? Were you fired?

JS: I had a contract. I fulfilled all my obligations but it seemed like my time with them had run its course. I have a great relationship with them still and I look at assignments with them on a case to case basis. I was not fired like some say I was. And I was upset that no one took to defending me on the internet when it came to that ‘story’ because I was never fired. I had done everything that I could do with them and your career needs to progress at some point. I keep them in my speed dial and they are about to do an article on my signing up with the Jets. I have a great relationship with them so if things work out with them in the future – awesome.

BB: OK, so we’ve taken care of one thing. I know you are going to love this one. Reality TV. Ever audition for any of it?

JS: I have never auditioned for reality tv. I have met with producers regarding opportunities but you know what? My life is not a hot enough mess for them. They need so much more drama…than my life is…I don’t have this psychological disorder resume to get on one of those shows. I’m not trying to date Flavor Flav or Brett Michaels or anyone like that so there really is no point to me doing reality tv at this point.

BB: And you know the psychology of it because you were a double major in psych and criminology, right?

JS: Exactly!

BB: So Law School was a definite possibility?

JS: It was a definite possibility! I still toy with the idea from time to time. I definitely will end up going to law school. The work I’ve done to date will allow me to attend, perhaps Stetson or even go back to Florida State University College of Law and not have it be a financial liability for my parents.

BB: OK, back to now. Two weeks away from Jets - Patriots and your first real Jets game as the sideline girl.

JS: Doing this in front of 80,000 people from New Jersey and New York is not like rehearsing in front of the PTA or my parents. It is intimidating. The fans need to get there early. And part of the reason that the New York Jets decided to have me do these shows is to hopefully get some of the people out of the parking lot and into their seats earlier. I know there were actually people tailgating for the Giants game at 7am! We’d like folks to come in and enjoy themselves, perhaps with an adult beverage, but out of the parking lot and into the stadium. It makes everything so much easier.

BB: Yes, the Blitz has seen buses heading down the Turnpike very early in the morning on game day. 80,000 fans & a huge game against the Super Bowl losers looming in less than 2 weeks. Who is working harder – Broadway Brett’s Jets or the Broadway Bombshell?

JS: I think we equally have our jobs cut out for us. Brett Favre obviously has been doing this a little longer than I have…a little bigger resume….but he has a lot to prove in NY. He’s done a great job bonding with his team and watching his first game in the Meadowlands against Washington how the fans received him was just awesome! It was one of those things where you could just feel like you were witnessing history. They all gathered in the tunnel and then they all ran out as teammates for the first time with him being a Jet and I think that was one of the coolest things I’ve ever watched. I watched from the tunnel where you can look out and see the bright lights and when he ran out…the fan reaction…you just had chills down your spine.

BB: And that was a preseason game. Wait two weeks.

JS: I know. Wait two weeks and it’s against Tom Brady and the Patriots.

BB: Have you interviewed Favre?

JS: I have not interviewed Brett yet and I would love to. He has a great story and that includes his wife Deanna and her battle with breast cancer. I think he is one of the most outstanding guys in the NFL.

BB: OK, let’s clear up another one.

JS: Sure…

BB: ESPN Radio. Erin Andrews. Suck it or 2nd?



Photo courtesy of Chad Martel

We were lucky to work with Jennifer's Site Admin Roger - the man behind the scenes - to get the meeting together. He also provided the pictures and audio and more than we can mention right now (but wait - there will be more news soon...).

The Blitz hopes that the article clears up, once and for all, web spread misconceptions about Sterger. But we know that it won't. Some will continue to write 3rd person accounts with no citations as fact. Boring web black belts bashing from behind a laptop.

Jenn counts the Blitz, Deadspin, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated as some of the websites that she reads every day - so we had to ask her all the controversial questions. And she balked at none of them. The Jets Gameday host was smart, funny, and...Anyone who is reading Dearly Devoted Dexter (my wife Wendy's and my favorite show as well) is not going to shy away from answering anything thrown at her. 09/05/08 marks the 3 year anniversary of Musberger spotting her...

So, back to where we left off.


Bob's Blitz: OK, let’s clear up another one.

Jennifer Sterger: Sure…

BB: ESPN Radio. Erin Andrews. Suck it or 2nd?

JS: Laughter. Second! S-E-C-O-N-D. It's so stupid if you read the quote anywhere it makes absolutely no sense as 'Suck it' - it's not a coherent thought. I was misquoted. If you read through the transcript it is a total misquote. If you are going to go out of your way to transcribe something just get it right. That's all I'm asking. The guy in Tampa blew it out of proportion and then kept asking me to come back on and I said there is nothing to clarify except maybe you need a better microphone.

BB: Is there audio of this?

JS: Oh yeah, there is audio. I actually have audio that is slowed down three times so it is extremely evident that it is 'second'. I was speaking off points. I said 'first' I am on the internet [compared to Erin at the time being on TV], then I said 'second' while the hosts were talking over me. Bad microphones, bad audio, and just someone looking for extra publicity and wanting to drag my name through the mud. If you want to get hits that way then by all means go for it.

The Blitz has the transcript and the slowed down audio. Oliver Stone JFK like...Audio here.

Not on this audio: Jenn: "It's so funny, people compare me and they are just like "Well she is no Erin Andrews" and I'm like..."

Slowed down Audio starts there: "Well, number one, I'm on the computer..." Host #1: makes catty noise interrupting her between her saying 'number one' and 'computer'...Jenn: "Second.." Hosts 1&2: Laughing and starting to say "Here come the claws as Jenn repeats "Second.."

So that's all cleared up now.


JS: I have people like Roger and my family who keep an eye on the internet and we try to stop people from slandering me. But I know how the internet works and...People just tag things to get hits. I'm just so glad that you took the time to listen to my answers and print the truth. People always want the juicy answers and really sometimes my life is just not all that interesting. People trying to start drama.

BB: The New England Patriots. Suck or first again?

JS: Laughter. Depends on Brady's ankle. He's the workhorse and what he and Belicheck are able to do. Especially with a few strategically placed cameras. I'm thinking of maybe a really cool outfit for the game on September 14th to counteract any cameras. It can be StergGate.

BB: Speaking of cameras. When is your movie The Tenant starring Saw 3 and 4's J. LaRose coming out?



Photo courtesy of The Tenant Movie


JS: It was a blast to work on as we filmed in Orlando. The Tenant is supposed to come out at the end of the year as part of the Horrorfest. I am not even a huge fan of scary movies so it was fun to see how it was shot so I was like can you guys just send me a clip of my scene - blood, guts, and gore are just not my thing. The director, Ric La Monte, pulled out one of the fake heads and it scared the life out of me. I was ready to cry. I said please don't do that. After my scene I could not get the blood off my hands. So I had to drive home to Tampa with blood all over my hands just hoping I didn't get pulled over. That would not be easy to explain to a policeman as I handed him my license.

BB: And Erin Andrews had been missing for 3 or 4 days?

JS: Laughs. Exactly.

BB: We've heard that Andrews takes 36 hours to get hair and makeup done prior to a game. How long does it take you and who does it?

JS: Only at Wrigley right? I do my own hair, makeup, and wardrobe. I always have fun with my wardrobe. I want to do something different. If it is a customized outfit - that can take up to two weeks. As for actual gameday - I change in the locker room with The Flight Crew so when you have that many women in one room you want to get in and out as quickly as possible. I arrive at the meadowlands with minimal makeup on and try to have my hair half way done so it usually takes me an hour to get ready. You have a deadline and they are not going to wait for you so you cannot take hours and hours.

BB: So you're not going to be a scream queen as you don't like the horror flicks - what's your favorite movie and TV show?

JS: I like quotable movies. I absolutely love to laugh. I like a lot of what Judd Apatow is coming out with. But old school like what my parents raised me on? Back to the Future - fun light hearted movies. I don't watch movies that are going to make me cry or not sleep at night. But conversely I absolutely love the show Dexter. It's fun, it's sarcastic - totally my sense of humor. I think sometimes people read what I have said or written and think I'm bitchy and it's not that at all. It's my sarcasm and that doesn't always come through if you are not speaking directly to someone.

BB: So Tim doesn't look like Dokes?

JS: Laughs. No. I absolutely love that show though. Can't wait for the new season.

BB: It's actually one of mine and my wife Wendy's favorites as well and if you get the chance...read the book, Darkly Dreaming Dexter.

JS: I am reading the book! That's my treadmill book. I'm actually on the second one, Dearly Devoted Dexter. They've found the body on the table so don't spoil it - that's where I am at in the book.

BB: OK, won't spoil it...what internet sites do you browse on a daily basis?

JS: Perez Hilton, ESPN, BobsBlitz, Sports Illustrated, Deadspin and blogs. As long as I'm not the center of negative gossip - I really enjoy blogs. There was the guy who put out the All-Star list hours before it was officially announced. Everyone has friends or as they're known in the adult world - networks - as I wouldn't call everyone I get info from a 'friend' - so blogs are going to break things first sometimes.

BB: One last question and then we'll let you go. We have been chatting for 45 minutes and I had expected 5, maybe. Prediction. Will the Jets make the playoffs this year?

JS: Yes. The Jets, yes, we will make the playoffs this year. For once the story is not all Giants. There is a great buzz. Just the other day I went to a Lupus fundraiser - a charity the Jets are helping - and just the energy in the room was incredible. You had Mayor Bloomberg, Donald Trump, of course Brett Favre. The energy that has surrounded him and his arrival here is incredible. I have people begging me for my tickets and I have to say sorry buddy they're spoken for.


Jennifer and Jets NT Kris Jenkins (Al Pereira Photo) courtesy of Jenn Sterger

BB: Welcome to New Jersey yet again. Thank you for taking so much time with us. I look forward to catching up with you on September 28th at the game. Keep kicking butt and enjoy the opener.

JS: I absolutely love New Jersey. I have a view of the New York Skyline. Hoboken / Jersey City is such a cute area. It is very safe. I love Washington Street - there are plenty of nice sports bars. I could eat at BlackBear 3 meals a day. Buffalo chicken sandwiches at 9am - I'm down for that.

BB: OK! So go to your photo shoot and we'll get one of the shots up when you get them over to me. Thank you so much for your time and thank you Roger for orchestrating. Good luck with the movie and the Gameday gig.

JS: Thank you and we'll see you on the 28th then!


The Blitz absolutely loved its time with Jennifer Sterger. She was smart, funny, sarcastic, and fun. We hope that some of the BS on the net is clarified and anticipate that she'll do a great job with the Jets this season. It certainly will not be the same ole Jets with Broadway Brett and the Broadway Bombshell.

Please visit Jenn’s Blog here and her official web site here.

http://www.bobsblitz.com/



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