Michael Strahan’s post-retirement career arc is one of the most notable in the constantly changing sports and entertainment industries. Since he and Constance Schwartz-Morini co-founded SMAC Entertainment in 2011, the Super Bowl champion has made his post-NFL hustle a cultural influence. What started as a vision for talent management and multi-platform storytelling is now based on award-winning documentaries, fashion partnerships, and powerful athlete branding.
From The Cost of Winning to the emergence of Deion Sanders’ public persona and even Erin Andrews’ fashion-forward fan apparel line, the role of SMAC has been instrumental. And now, after more than ten years of shattering stereotypes, the SMAC team recently received a haul of awards, which indicates that this is more than simply a media company—it’s a movement.
The SMAC Entertainment crew had a victory lap worth boasting about on Monday, winning eight Silver Telly Awards in a row. Evolution of the Black Quarterback and Black Comedy in America were the two daring, culturally-confronting plays that won. SMAC excitedly captioned a picture of Michael Strahan, Anthony Smith, and Constance Schwartz-Morini on Instagram, saying, “Big wins at the Telly Awards! SMAC Entertainment took home 8 Silver Tellys for Black Comedy in America and Evolution of the Black Quarterback – honored for comedy, documentary, social impact, sports, directing, music, and more. Huge congratulations to our teams and partners who made it all possible!”
A wave of love and appreciation followed in the comments, but there was one short message that stood out. Erin Andrews of FOX Sports popped up with a two-word shoutout: “Get it.” Clearly, you don’t need a paragraph to show your love when you’ve been constructing empires together. And, Strahan also proudly shared the moment on his Instagram story, showing that it was more than simply another trophy. Instead, it was another significant achievement for a business that continues to influence culture.
In a session titled ‘Creating Multi-Hyphenate Storytelling,’ Strahan and Schwartz-Morini will present at the Sports Business Journal’s 4SE Conference in New York City this week. The discussion explores how SMAC transforms moments into movements and develops athlete careers beyond the box score. And as Michael Strahan has been occupied with winning accolades and sharing his tale at prestigious conferences, Erin Andrews hasn’t exactly been relaxing either. She’s been hitting the gas—literally.
While Michael Strahan suits up for panels, Erin Andrews suited up with Infiniti
The long-time FOX Sports personality, Erin Andrews, recently announced a new, $8.6 billion paid partnership with Nissan’s luxury brand, Infiniti USA. This collaboration is more than just a drive-by. It’s a trip down well-travelled paths—Andrews and Infiniti worked together to promote the first QX60, but this time she’s taking the wheel with even more artistic authority.
Andrews teased fans on social media from the location of her ad photo shoot, writing: “We’re shooting something super special with the new QX60… I seriously can’t wait for you guys to see what’s coming.” She added some behind-the-scenes charm while standing next to the sleek new SUV, dressed all in black: “Can I just take it home with me? Don’t tell them.” Though there’s always a deeper play with Andrews. She transitioned from broadcaster to company builder over the past five years, using her platform to develop relationships and products that represent her audience.
She co-founded WEAR by Erin Andrews, a fan gear fashion company, in 2019 with Constance Schwartz-Morini of SMAC. The concept is specifically targeted for women who love sports but don’t want to settle for pink logo knockoffs or oversized jerseys. Today, the company sells more than 200 fully licensed products from the NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA, and MLB at stores including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, and Fanatics.
And it’s this forward-thinking attitude that makes this partnership with Infiniti feel like more than a one-time promotion. It is an extension of the brand she has been subtly—and successfully—developing, which combines elements of fashion, fandom, and boldness. And, the QX60’s sleek appearance and high-end technological features make it an ideal match for Andrews’ target market, which consists of stylish women who balance work, life, travel, and tailgating.
Thus, Andrews is guiding her brand into new areas while Strahan is laying out the next wave of media storytelling at the 4SE Conference in New York City. Infiniti might be the vehicle, but make no mistake—she’s the one driving.
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