Mike Tirico, the play-by-play announcer for NBC’s Sunday Night Football, announced he will not call the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears. He cited a health issue as the reason for his absence but did not provide further details about the condition.
Tirico, aged 59, expressed his disappointment in a statement released by NBC Sports, stating, “Unfortunately, I will have to miss tonight’s game in Chicago due to a health issue.” He added that he looks forward to returning the following Sunday with colleagues Chris, Melissa, and the rest of the SNF team.
Noah Eagle is set to fill Tirico’s role for the game. He will work alongside Cris Collinsworth and Melissa Stark. The trio will join forces to ensure viewers experience the same high-quality coverage they expect from the broadcast.
Tirico’s temporary absence from the broadcast booth is not expected to be long-term, suggesting the health issue might not be severe. He has previously disclosed health challenges, including a nut allergy that caused a severe reaction during the 2025 Kentucky Derby and a torn Achilles in 2024.
Since taking over from Al Michaels in 2022, Tirico has been a key figure in NBC’s Sunday Night Football lineup. During his tenure, he has become a recognizable voice for millions of football fans each week.
Followers can look forward to Tirico’s return to the broadcast as he plans to resume his duties by next Sunday’s game in Cincinnati. His dedicated fan base awaits his recovery and return to the microphone.
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