College GameDay host Jess Sims confidently addressed Theo Von’s subtle on-air flirtations, putting a quick stop to them.
“Wait, I’m already leaving?” asked the 45-year-old comedian in a segment on Saturday, October 4, during the broadcast of ESPN’s College GameDay, after being prompted to reveal his upcoming picks. “Will I get to see you again?”
In response, Sims directed Von toward the exit, humorously rejecting his invitation.
“See you later! Actually, no, I hope not,” she responded with a smirk.
During the show, Von served as the celebrity guest picker and discussed his enthusiastic support for Vanderbilt University with Sims.
“I actually live in the house of former coach Derek Mason; that’s not a joke,” he remarked about the coach who departed in 2020. “But, we should cut him some slack. I think he had a winless season. No kidding, [but] bless him. He left behind a few trophies that I owe him—along with a plunger.”
Sims chuckled at Von’s quip, quickly shifting the dialogue back to the college games.
Both Sims, who is also a Peloton instructor, and Von have not commented further on their awkward interaction. Yet, Sims maintains a professional demeanor during her broadcasts.
“I constantly feel butterflies and nerves,” she revealed to Boardroom TV in a March 2024 feature, reflecting on her journey. “People don’t seek me out for flawless execution; they relate to the imperfections in me and find solace in that. They are drawn to improvement and inspiration.”
She elaborated, “We’re raised with the message to ‘keep trying,’ but I’ve realized that if you’re forcing things, you might be off track. After turning 30, I view it this way: the first three decades prepare you, and from 30 onward, life is about unlearning all that.”
Reflecting on her journey, Sims mentioned that she has learned to stop imposing unnecessary constraints on her life.
“Striving to find a state of ease—one that not only feels right for you but also uplifts those around you—is key,” she shared. “If I had solely focused on my ambitions, I wouldn’t be at Peloton [or ESPN] today. Focusing exclusively on goals can lead to rigid thinking, causing you to neglect enjoying the journey in favor of obsessing over the end result.”
Von, on the other hand, openly discusses his relationship struggles as a comedian.
“Commitment issues are a major concern for me,” he mentioned during a June 2023 episode of the “Podcast Owl” show. “I can’t tell if marriage is for me. Sharing a bed or living in the same house with someone seems daunting, but I can picture it. The thought alone makes me uneasy.”