Former NFL Network host Rachel Bonnetta had important news to share with her fans this Wednesday in regards to her health.
Bonnetta rose to prominence in 2016 when she joined Fox Sports. She was eventually named the host of “Lock It In,” a gambling show on FS1. Several years later, she joined NFL Network to help out with their digital content on NFL.com and the NFL app.
While fans of Bonnetta are used to consuming hilarious content from her, she had to take a break from her usual jokes to deliver a serious update on her health. She revealed that she was diagnosed with autism a few months ago.
“I am autistic,” Bonnetta wrote. “I was diagnosed a few months ago and it has completely changed my life and the way I understand it. I have always felt so much confusion about who I am, what I feel and why I feel the way I feel and I finally got the answers I’ve been looking for since I was a kid.
“I set out on a bit of a journey the last 8 months to learn more about my brain. I wanted to know exactly what was going on and after a lot testing I was diagnosed with OCD, ADHD, ASD + PTSD (ok fun?).
“RFK JR saying autism is an epidemic is LOL. Remember when depression and anxiety was such a taboo thing…. Girl, now we all got it. Thanks to continuous research we are finally able to understand our brains and that information helps us navigate the world. So yes, diagnosis numbers are up but autism has been here a looooong time and it’s beautiful. It is a gift and I feel so lucky that I get to experience this funky [expletive] lil brain.”
Unsurprisingly, Bonnetta received a ton of support from NFL fans.
“You’re the best,” one person commented.
“Love ya Bonnetta! I am too. It’s honestly insane how these people use autism as if it’s a disease. What a bizarre world to live in,” another person wrote.
“So stoked that you’re getting to understand all the things that make you YOU,” a third person said.
Even though Bonnetta left sports media behind in 2023, she holds a special place in most fans’ hearts.
We’re wishing Bonnetta all the best as she continues to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian.
About the author
Chris Rosvoglou
Senior writer