Emily Compagno (born November 9, 1979) is an American attorney, television host, author, and former NFL cheerleader. She serves as co-host of Outnumbered on Fox News Channel and is a #1 New York Times bestselling author.
Her career spans criminal defense law, federal government work, and national television.
Who is Emily Compagno?
Emily Compagno is an American attorney, legal analyst, television host, and former NFL cheerleader based in the United States. She holds both a law degree and an extensive career in federal and criminal defense law.
She joined Fox News Channel in 2018 as a legal analyst and contributor. In January 2021, Fox News named her a permanent co-host of the daytime show Outnumbered.
Her career also includes hosting The FOX True Crime Podcast with Emily Compagno, which debuted in the top 10 of all true crime podcasts on launch.
In November 2024, she published her book “Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops,” which reached number one on the New York Times Bestseller list.
Beyond television, Emily actively supports nonprofits focused on U.S. veterans, law enforcement, and K9 causes. Her background connects deeply to military service through her family and her own experience visiting troops overseas as an NFL ambassador.
Early Life of Emily Compagno
Emily Compagno was born on November 9, 1979, in Oakland, California. Her family moved to El Cerrito, California, where she and her two sisters grew up.
Her father, John Compagno, served as a Commander in the United States Medical Corps and directed a blood bank. Emily’s mother, Katherine, is of English, Bohemian, and Baden-Württemberg descent. John Compagno is of Sicilian descent.
Emily has two sisters: Julietta Compagno Skoog and Natalie Compagno. Her family had a strong military background, with her great-grandfather serving in both World Wars and her uncle serving in the United States Army.
Emily Compagno Age
Emily Compagno is 46 years old as of June 11, 2026, born on November 9, 1979. Her zodiac sign is Scorpio.
Her book “Under His Wings” reached the top of the New York Times Bestseller list in December 2024, marking a major milestone in her career outside of television.
Emily Compagno Ethnicity and Nationality
Emily Compagno holds American nationality. Her father is of Italian and Sicilian descent, and her mother is of English, Bohemian, and German heritage, giving her a mixed European ethnic background.
Her family’s deep roots in military service have shaped her advocacy work. She has been a consistent supporter of U.S. veterans and active-duty service members throughout her professional life.
Emily Compagno Height and Weight
Emily Compagno stands at 5 feet 6 inches, which is approximately 1.69 meters tall. Her weight is not publicly confirmed.
She is known for her athletic build, a quality she maintained throughout her years as an NFL cheerleader and captain.
Her physical fitness during her time with the Oakland Raiderettes was a professional requirement, and she has remained active in sports and car culture in her personal life since.
Emily Compagno Education
Emily Compagno earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Washington, graduating in 2001. While there, she received the U.S. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet of the Quarter Award.
She later earned her Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 2006. During law school, she served as President of the Federalist Society and as Articles Editor of the Intellectual Property Law Bulletin.
She passed the California bar and the Washington State bar, allowing her to practice law across both states.
Emily Compagno Career
Emily Compagno’s career covers three distinct phases: law, professional cheerleading, and television. Each phase built on the previous one, expanding her public profile and areas of expertise.
She has practiced law since 2006 and has worked across criminal defense, civil litigation, federal government service, and international placements.
Early Legal Career
After earning her law degree in 2006, Emily began her career as a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco. She handled complex cases and worked with a firm that supported her extracurricular ambitions, including her NFL cheerleading tryout.
She later joined the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit as a Senior Judge Judicial Extern under the Honorable John T. Noonan Jr.
Emily also held legal positions in Cape Town, South Africa, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. That international experience broadened her legal knowledge well beyond California practice.
NFL Cheerleader and NFL Ambassador
From 2007 to 2010, Emily cheered for the Oakland Raiderettes, the official cheerleading squad of the Oakland Raiders. She eventually became captain of the team.
While with the Raiders, the NFL selected her as an ambassador. In that role, she promoted the NFL in Beijing and Shanghai in China.
She was also one of only five NFL cheerleaders chosen to visit U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Kuwait on a USO tour.
Federal Career and Fox News
Emily served as a managing attorney and Acting Director at the Social Security Administration from 2010 to 2014. The SSA is one of the ten largest federal agencies in the United States.
In 2018, Fox News Channel invited her to join as a legal analyst and contributor. She quickly became a regular presence on shows including The Five and Gutfeld!
Fox News named her a permanent co-host of Outnumbered in January 2021. The show airs weekdays at 12 PM ET and features legal and political commentary.
Recent Projects
In 2023, Emily launched The FOX True Crime Podcast with Emily Compagno on Fox News Radio. The podcast covers solved and unsolved murders, missing persons cases, and high-profile courtroom dramas. It debuted in the top 10 of all true crime podcasts.
In November 2024, she published “Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops” through Fox News Books. The book shares first-person accounts of faith from U.S. military members and reached number one on the New York Times Bestseller list in December 2024.
She also hosted Crimes That Changed America and has appeared across multiple Fox News programs as a fill-in and guest host.
Emily Compagno Awards and Recognition
Emily Compagno became a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author following the release of “Under His Wings” in late 2024. The book achieved this ranking within weeks of its November 26, 2024, publication date.
During her time at the University of Washington, she received the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Cadet of the Quarter Award. In law school at USF, she served as Articles Editor of the Intellectual Property Law Bulletin.
Her selection as one of five NFL cheerleaders for a USO tour to Iraq and Kuwait in 2009 represented a recognition of her ambassador role with the Oakland Raiders.
Emily Compagno Fiancé
Emily Compagno was previously married to Peter Riley. The couple kept the details of their relationship largely private, and Riley’s background has not been widely reported. Their divorce is believed to have been finalized before or during 2024.
On August 28, 2024, Emily confirmed her engagement during an appearance on Fox Business. She discussed the news while speaking about work-life balance with a financial expert on the program.
Emily has not publicly identified her fiancé by name. The identity of her partner remains not publicly confirmed as of June 2026.
Emily Compagno Net Worth
Emily Compagno’s estimated net worth is $2 million as of 2026. Her income draws from multiple streams, including her Fox News hosting salary, her legal background, the true crime podcast, book royalties, and speaking engagements.
She joined Fox News in 2018 as a contributor and transitioned to a full-time co-host role in January 2021. That move to a permanent on-air contract increased her earnings substantially.
Her 2024 book also added a new revenue stream through Fox News Books, with ongoing royalties from strong retail sales following its debut at number one on the New York Times list.
Emily Compagno Social Media
Emily Compagno is active across several social media platforms. On Instagram, she uses the handle @realemilycompagno, where she shares updates on her television appearances, book, car collection, and personal interests.
She is also active on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @EmilyCompagno, where she shares commentary on news, law, and current events.
Her love of muscle cars, including her 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 named Malosa, is a recurring theme across her social media posts and fan interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emily Compagno’s net worth?
Emily Compagno’s estimated net worth is $2 million as of 2026, earned through her Fox News hosting career, legal work, podcasting, and book sales.
How old is Emily Compagno?
Emily Compagno is 46 years old as of June 11, 2026. She was born on November 9, 1979, in Oakland, California.
What team does Emily Compagno play for?
Emily Compagno does not currently play for any team. She was formerly a cheerleader for the Oakland Raiderettes from 2007 to 2010 and served as team captain.
What is Emily Compagno’s height?
Emily Compagno stands at 5 feet 6 inches (1.69 m) tall.
Who is Emily Compagno dating?
Emily Compagno confirmed her engagement on Fox Business on August 28, 2024. She has not publicly identified her fiancé, and the name remains not publicly confirmed.
What awards has Emily Compagno won?
Emily Compagno became a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author in December 2024 with her book “Under His Wings: How Faith on the Front Lines Has Protected American Troops.”
The Bottom Line
Emily Compagno joined Fox News in 2018 and became a permanent co-host of Outnumbered in January 2021, building one of the more distinctive profiles in cable news. Her book “Under His Wings” reached number one on the New York Times Bestseller list in December 2024.
She holds a law degree from the University of San Francisco, cheered for the Oakland Raiderettes from 2007 to 2010, and visited U.S. troops in Iraq and Kuwait as an NFL ambassador. Her family background in military service connects closely to her ongoing advocacy for veterans and law enforcement.
As of 2026, she co-hosts Outnumbered on weekdays and continues hosting The FOX True Crime Podcast. We hope you enjoyed reading about Emily Compagno. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!