'I Love You!' NFL Host Flirts with Vanna White

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Tony Fisher | Last updated 11/19/23

Vanna White holds an impressively long reputation as being an "America's Sweetheart'' personality, and she is no doubt beloved by millions.

But how often does one of those "millions'' have a chance to profess his love for the "Wheel of Fortune'' star?

NFL Network's Kyle Brandt appeared on the long-running game show "Wheel of Fortune" this week, and before the main host Pat Sajak could barely get started, Kyle Brandt, the NFL Network personality, needed a moment on the microphone.

“Pat, I’m thrilled to meet you,'' Brandt said, "but Vanna, let’s just put the cards on the table. I say this respectfully: You’re a TV legend, my wife is here, you were my boyhood crush. I love you. For many years of my life, you were the puzzle I wanted to solve.''

The energetic Brandt's funny boldness earned laughs from the audience, and from Sajak and White. And he also earned something else, as by the end of the episode, he won over $160,000 for his charity of choice.

But he did not quite win the heart of Vanna White, despite his best efforts.

“Do you have any advice for me, Vanna?'' Brandt said at one point. "Because you control the board. I love you, Pat. But, to me, this is a Vanna show.”

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: