NBC play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico will not call Sunday Night Football between the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a health issue, the network announced Sunday. Tirico, 59, was scheduled to call his 300th NFL game. Noah Eagle will fill in for Tirico on the broadcast.
Tirico, who has been the voice of Sunday Night Football since 2022, also hosts the network's Olympic coverage and calls NBA games. He expressed his disappointment in a statement, saying, "Unfortunately, I will have to miss tonight's game in Chicago due to a health issue." He added, "I look forward to watching tonight and can't wait to be back with Cris, Melissa and the rest of our 'SNF' team next Sunday night in Cincinnati."
Next Sunday, NBC's broadcast will feature the Bengals hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Tirico aiming for his return. Eagle, who typically leads NBC's No. 2 broadcast team, also covers NBA games for the network and has called NFL games internationally, including the league's first game in Brazil. He also serves as a lead announcer for Netflix's NFL coverage this season, calling games in Australia and slated for two Christmas Day contests.