Nick Riewoldt blows up life, quits TV and moves overseas

Football great Nick Riewoldt is starting a new life overseas after he was in the middle of bidding war between TV networks.

Nick Riewoldt and his wife Catherine. AAP Image/Luis Ascui.

Football great Nick Riewoldt has quit TV and made the decision to move overseas.

After a drawn-out bidding war where Fox Footy, Channel 7 and Channel 9 all offered him roles, the St Kilda legend has surprised every party by quitting the business, The Herald Sun first reported.

His wife, Catherine, is from Texas and they married in 2012 in Waco. They will be moving back to the southern state with their three young children James, Will and Teddy in January.

The report reveals Riewoldt has recently been based in Houston and their children have spent time at a local primary school.

Riewoldt’s current contract with Fox Footy expires at the end of 2022 and the Foxtel network was fighting Seven and Nine to retain him as one of the highest profile football analysts in the country.

Nick Riewoldt takes son James from wife Catherine after playing his final game. Pic: Michael Klein.

His move overseas is reportedly set to be a 12-month sabbatical and it was reported on Boxing Day by TV Blackbox that Riewoldt was in discussions with Fox Footy about missing half of the 2023 AFL season before returning.

His departure is a hit to the star-studded Fox Footy team after he became a popular figure in his appearances across the network’s comedy shows.

He featured on flagship program On The Couch on Monday nights and was also on entertainment show Best On Ground every Saturday night.

Saints player Nick Riewoldt and his wife Catherine. AAP Image/Luis Ascui.

Nick Riewoldt, Nathan Buckley, Kath Loughnan and Jonathan Brown were a popular team on Fox Footy. Picture: Alex Coppel.

The Herald Sun reported two weeks ago Channel 7 were desperately chasing Riewoldt with offers to appear in an expansive role that stretched to lifestyle shows and AFL coverage.

He was reportedly viewed as a highly desirable option to step into Wayne Carey’s shoes after he was sensationally let go before the 2022 AFL finals series.

Earlier this month it was reported Nine was also in the hunt, viewing Riewoldt as a perfect fit to step into Ross Lyon’s position as a panel member on Footy Classified.

Riewoldt first started with Fox Footy in 2018, but his latest decision is to put his family ahead of his TV career.