Back in 2017, CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus knew what he was bringing into his team as Amanda Balionis became their permanent addition: “a different perspective” to their coverage. The reporter started with the PGA Tour in 2011, and her commentary on the green is irreplaceable. And now, “competing at the highest level,” she has exactly what she’d wanted with her next career move.

After the golf season was done last year, Balionis wasn’t asked to take a vacation or slow down. She proudly announced, “Catch ya on the NFL sidelines until next season!” And the NFL fans absolutely loved “a breath of fresh air,” as McManus had described. The 39-year-old offered a fresh look at live TV hosting as she jotted down last-minute analysis while surrounded by a dozen screens inside the truck. Although it wasn’t a permanent shift, she knew she would be back on the gridiron after the golf wrapped up.

Now, 2025 hasn’t been the easiest year for Balionis. In May, she interviewed Rickie Fowler after a strong showing at the Charles Schwab Challenge but drew criticism for pointing out his then-125th putting average. Still, her words sparked emotion in golfers just as they have for over a decade. Her dedication was clear when she covered four cities in 48 hours for CBS. And with the NFL season approaching, neither CBS nor Balionis has backed down from the challenge.

CBS just announced its NFL broadcasting roster for the 2025 season, as shared by Sports Illustrated. As expected, Balionis is once again on the list. She shared the news on her Instagram story, writing, “Looking forward to another season with @nfloncbs!” Although not a fixed voice yet, she’ll be reporting from the sidelines of select games, joining the likes of Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson, and more, as part of the network’s NFL coverage team.

Balionis started her journey with CBS Sports back in 2017, walking the fairways and covering golf. But by 2018, she started making appearances as a sideline reporter for select NFL ON CBS games and CBS Sports Network college football games, as well as a panelist on WE NEED TO TALK. A key part of last year’s NFL coverage, she was regularly seen at major games. For us fans, she’d share behind-the-scenes moments and game-day recaps on social media. And when the season drew to an end, Balionis took to Instagram to mark that moment, too: “How is week 18 here already?! This season has flown by. One more game then it’s back to golf we go!”

Other than her witty on-field coverage, Balionis spends time vacationing with her family, as and when she can. Her July was filled with multiple beach trips and gourmet meals, and Instagram posts are proof of that. Oh, but she is not the only one who explores other activities once the season ends; many top golfers have their passion projects and leisure activities lined up on the side, too.

What do top golfers do when the season ends?

Tiger Woods, the 15-time Major winner, loves spearfishing and freediving. He spends hours underwater, chasing bigger and deeper catches. When Jada Smith asked him about the depth, he declared, “80-feet,” as if the number was no big feat, and shared, “I free dive and spearfish. That’s what I love to do… I love it, love being in the water.” And when he is on land, he swaps clubs for a console. His favorite video game? Call of Duty.

Meanwhile, Luke Donald’s pursuits are calmer. His game shows his artist’s touch with not many long drives like the modern golfers. Accordingly, his off-season routine involves brushes and canvases. The former World No. 1 studied art formally and often auctions his work for charity. Sergio Garcia, on the other hand, trades fairways for poker tables. Louis Oosthuizen becomes a farmer on his land in NW Marion County. Stewart Cink is a BBQ guy who has even won barbecue contests. As it turns out, the off-season is anything but boring for the golfing world.