Tracy Wolfson named lead sideline reporter for NFL on CBS

Emmy Award-nominated reporter Tracy Wolfson will move from the college sideline to the pros this season. (David E. Klutho/SI) After intense offseason

Emmy Award-nominated reporter Tracy Wolfson will move from the college sideline to the pros this season. (David E. Klutho/SI)

After intense offseason negotiations, CBS was awarded the rights to Thursday Night Football which left the network with a few difficult decisions to make.

One of the questions: Who would represent CBS on the sidelines? SI's own Richard Deitsch broke the news in early April, and CBS confirmed it Wednesday, announcing its decision to move Emmy Award-nominated reporter Tracy Wolfson from the college sideline to the pros for the upcoming season.

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"During the past 10 years as the lead college football reporter, Tracy has become one of the most respected reporters in the industry," CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus said. "We are excited for Tracy to bring the same tenacity and quality in reporting that she has shown on the SEC sidelines and NCAA basketball courtside to the NFL."

Wolfson is no stranger when it comes to NFL games as she previously worked CBS' broadcasts of the AFC wild card, divisional and championship games in 2013 in addition to providing coverage during Super Bowl Sunday.

CBS has shied away from having a consistent presence on the sideline in recent years so the inclusion of Woflson on a constant basis for Thursday Night Football is a pretty big step for the network.