NFL Reporter Jane Slater Debunks False Death Rumor
Last week, the internet was briefly abuzz with a disturbing rumor claiming that veteran NFL reporter Jane Slater had passed away. The false information spread on social media platforms, causing momentary confusion among fans and colleagues alike. Thankfully, Slater herself was quick to respond with her characteristic humor, confirming that reports of her death were greatly exaggerated. The bizarre incident highlights the troubling speed at which misinformation can spread online, particularly when it involves public figures.
The rumor began when a Facebook post featuring a black-and-white image of Slater with “1980-2025” captioned across it started making the rounds. The post erroneously claimed that Slater, who is actually 45 years old, had died at the age of 40 following “a tragic domestic violence incident,” and further fabricated that she had left behind a 5-year-old child. When an X (formerly Twitter) user shared a screenshot of this post and directly asked Slater if she had indeed passed away, the reporter responded with characteristic wit: “I don’t think so? But does this mean there is (a) glitch in the matrix? I’m gonna wrap myself in bubble wrap until NYE.” Her lighthearted response quickly put to rest any concerns about her wellbeing.
The fabricated death announcement contained several obvious inaccuracies that should have raised immediate red flags for discerning readers. Beyond incorrectly listing Slater’s age as 40 (when she was born in 1980, making her 45 in 2025), the post included dramatic and entirely fictional details about her supposed death and family situation. These fabrications were clearly designed to elicit emotional responses and encourage sharing without verification – a common tactic used by those spreading misinformation online. This incident serves as yet another reminder of the importance of critically evaluating social media content before accepting it as fact or sharing it with others.
Jane Slater has built a respected career in sports journalism, primarily known for her coverage of the Dallas Cowboys for NFL Network, which she joined in 2016. Her professional background includes significant experience with major sports networks, having worked for ESPN and the Longhorn Network prior to her current role. A University of Texas alumna, Slater also previously hosted a radio show in Dallas, establishing herself as a knowledgeable and reliable voice in sports reporting. Her quick and humorous response to the death hoax demonstrated the professionalism and resilience that has characterized her career in the competitive world of sports media.
This incident is far from the first time a public figure has had to address false reports of their demise. The phenomenon of celebrity death hoaxes has unfortunately become increasingly common in the social media era, where the drive for engagement often overshadows commitment to accuracy. Such false reports can cause genuine distress not only to the subject of the hoax but also to their family members, friends, colleagues, and fans who may briefly believe the misinformation before learning the truth. The ease with which these hoaxes can be created and spread presents a genuine challenge for both social media platforms and news consumers in distinguishing fact from fiction.
As this episode fades into memory, it leaves behind important lessons about media literacy and responsible information sharing in the digital age. The swift debunking of this particular rumor was fortunate, but not all misinformation is corrected so quickly or effectively. For media consumers, practicing skepticism toward sensational claims, checking information against multiple reliable sources, and refraining from sharing unverified news are all crucial habits in combating the spread of falsehoods. Meanwhile, Jane Slater continues her work covering the NFL, perhaps with a bit more bubble wrap on hand – just in case the matrix glitches again before New Year’s Eve.
