Mike Tirico Temporarily Steps Down from SNF Broadcast Due to Health Issue

Mike Tirico will not be present for NBC’s broadcast of the Bears versus Buccaneers game due to a health issue that has not been disclosed. Taking his place for the coverage is Noah Eagle at Chicago’s Soldier Field.

Tirico, who is 59 years old, expressed his disappointment at missing the game on Sunday, November 8. In a statement released by NBC, he said, “Unfortunately, I will have to miss tonight’s game in Chicago due to a health issue. I look forward to watching tonight and can’t wait to be back with Cris [Collinsworth], Melissa [Stark] and the rest of our SNF team next Sunday night in Cincinnati.”

No additional details about his health concern have been provided. Known as the voice of NBC’s Sunday Night Football, Tirico took over the role in 2022, succeeding Al Michaels. Prior to this, he had a long tenure at ESPN and was the voice of Monday Night Football from 2006 to 2015. He is also known for his sports commentary across major events like the Olympics and the NBA.

Noah Eagle, 29, is currently serving in his fourth season as a commentator for NBC Sports. He handles the weekly primetime Big Ten Football game on NBC and Peacock. Eagle will step in for the Sunday night coverage at Soldier Field, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the Chicago Bears.

Tirico is expected to return for the subsequent Sunday Night Football encounter on November 15, with the Pittsburgh Steelers facing the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. This health-related absence comes after Tirico experienced a nut allergy incident in 2025 at the Kentucky Derby. Speaking on the Today show, he explained that despite his usual diligence, he inadvertently consumed something that triggered his allergy. He received immediate EMT assistance.