NBC Skips National Anthem in Sunday Night Football Broadcast, Sparking Viewer Reactions

NBC’s broadcast of “Sunday Night Football” is usually a highly-watched event. However, during a recent game, viewers noticed the absence of the national anthem broadcast. This happened during a week when the NFL was highlighting its Salute To Service campaign, just days before Veterans Day, at Chicago’s Soldier Field.

The broadcast began with analyst Cris Collinsworth and play-by-play commentator Noah Eagle, but skipped airing the national anthem. Instead, audiences saw a pre-game interview with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, followed by an aerial shot of the field. During this, flag bearers were seen taking a folded American flag back into the stadium’s tunnel.

NBC’s decision not to broadcast the anthem raised questions.

Despite this, NBC covered other segments, including the trade of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Bears, and a “show anthem” performance by Carrie Underwood. Some viewers noticed the omission of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and expressed their thoughts on social media.

The decision to air the anthem typically lies with the network, not the NFL or the clubs. NBC executives Greg Hughes and Chris McCloskey have yet to respond to inquiries about the decision.

This is not the first instance involving the national anthem and the Bears this season. On September 20, 2026, during a game against the Minnesota Vikings, the national anthem sparked discussion when injured quarterback Caleb Williams was seen pacing the sideline. On another occasion, during ESPN/ABC’s Monday Night Football, a mariachi band performed an instrumental version of the anthem, also resulting in varied reactions.

Some speculate that NBC wanted to avoid potential controversy by skipping the anthem broadcast. Meanwhile, this move seems to have generated its own set of reactions.