NBC's "Sunday Night Football" play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico announced Sunday afternoon that he will miss the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears due to "a health issue."
Tirico, 59, did not specify the nature of the health issue that led to his absence. He released a statement through NBC Sports expressing his disappointment but indicating a desire to return for the following week's broadcast.
"Unfortunately, I will have to miss tonight's game in Chicago due to a health issue," Tirico said. "I look forward to watching tonight and can't wait to be back with Chris, Melissa and the rest of our SNF team next Sunday night in Cincinnati."
Noah Eagle is set to call Sunday's game alongside Cris Collinsworth and Melissa Stark. Eagle will fill Tirico's usual role.
Tirico is not known to have a significant chronic health condition, and his stated expectation to return the following week suggests the current issue may not be severe. He has been the primary voice for "Sunday Night Football" since the 2022 season, succeeding Al Michaels. This current season marks his fifth calling the game.
In the past, Tirico has experienced health-related incidents. He had a severe allergic reaction due to a nut allergy during the 2025 Kentucky Derby broadcast and disclosed a torn Achilles tendon injury he sustained in November 2024.