NBC NFL analyst Cris Collinsworth recently reached a major milestone in his broadcasting career, as he celebrated his 500th broadcast during Week 12’s Sunday Night Football. However, fans were disappointed to learn that Collinsworth will not be present for this year’s Thanksgiving matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. Instead, the NBC broadcast crew for the game will consist of Mike Tirico as play-by-play announcer, former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett as analyst, and Melissa Stark as sideline reporter.
Collinsworth, a former wide receiver for the Bengals, has been a staple in the NFL broadcasting world for over 30 years. He first joined NBC in 1990 and has since become one of the most recognizable and respected voices in the industry. His insightful analysis and smooth delivery have made him a fan favorite, and his absence from the Thanksgiving game has left many wondering why.
The reason behind Collinsworth’s absence is actually quite simple. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL has implemented strict protocols for all personnel involved in game broadcasts. This includes limiting the number of people allowed in the broadcast booth and on the sidelines. As a result, Collinsworth, who is based in Cincinnati, will not be able to travel to Baltimore for the game.
While it is certainly disappointing for fans to not have Collinsworth’s familiar voice and expertise during the Thanksgiving game, it is important to understand and respect the safety measures being taken by the NFL. The league has been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all players, coaches, and personnel, and this includes those involved in broadcasting the games.
In Collinsworth’s place, NBC has chosen a strong and experienced team to cover the Bengals vs. Ravens matchup. Mike Tirico, who has been with NBC since 2016, is a seasoned play-by-play announcer with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the sports broadcasting world. He will be joined by Jason Garrett, who brings a unique perspective as a former head coach and player in the NFL. Melissa Stark, a veteran sideline reporter, will also be on hand to provide updates and insights from the field.
While it may be different to not have Collinsworth in the booth, fans can still expect a top-notch broadcast from NBC. The network has a long history of delivering high-quality coverage of NFL games, and this Thanksgiving will be no different. Tirico, Garrett, and Stark are all highly respected and talented individuals who will undoubtedly provide an entertaining and informative broadcast for viewers.
In addition to his broadcasting duties, Collinsworth is also the co-owner of Pro Football Focus, a leading analytics and scouting company. He has been heavily involved in the company’s growth and success, and his absence from the Thanksgiving game will give him the opportunity to focus on his other responsibilities.
While we will miss Collinsworth’s presence during the Bengals vs. Ravens game, we can take comfort in the fact that he will be back in the booth for future games. As the NFL continues to navigate through the challenges of the pandemic, it is important to remember that the safety and well-being of all involved is the top priority. We can all do our part by following safety protocols and supporting the league’s efforts to keep everyone safe.
In conclusion, while it may be disappointing to not have Cris Collinsworth in the broadcast booth for the Bengals vs. Ravens Thanksgiving game, the reason behind his absence is understandable and necessary. Fans can still look forward to a great broadcast from NBC, with Mike Tirico, Jason Garrett, and Melissa Stark providing their expertise and insights. Let us all continue to support the NFL and its efforts to keep everyone safe during these challenging times.