Cris Collinsworth hammered by NFL fans as Carrie Underwood comments prove final straw
Cris Collinsworth hammered by NFL fans as Carrie Underwood comments prove final straw
Rory Robinson Fri, September 11, 2026 at 3:21 PM UTC
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NFL fans are becoming increasingly fed up with Cris Collinsworth (Image: NBC/Peacock)
NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth's enthusiasm for Carrie Underwood drew scrutiny from NFL viewers during the Seattle Seahawks' 13-10 season-opening victory over the New England Patriots.
Collinsworth, whose alarming hands immediately caused concern for viewers, faced backlash almost immediately after the NBC/Peacock broadcast commenced, as Underwood's song accompanied a Sunday Night Football promotional segment featuring an upcoming prime-time clash between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants. Her recognizable "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night" theme played during the segment when Collinsworth suggested she perform at Lumen Field for the Super Bowl LIX rematch.
While the comment appeared harmless on the surface, and the game already featured performances from Pearl Jam during the national anthem and Soundgarden at halftime, audiences took the NBC veteran's remarks as yet another opportunity to criticize his broadcasting career. One viewer joked that Collinsworth was flirting with Underwood despite her marriage to former NHL player Mike Fisher. Another shared a meme depicting a man moaning into a microphone while gazing at his ideal woman. "Cris Collinsworth hitting on Carrie Underwood," one audience member posted with laughing emojis. Another quipped that it made complete sense Collinsworth would admire Underwood after she's delivered the theme song for more than a decade. It comes as Donald Trump will be let down by the Buffalo Bills' national anthem choice.
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Criticism poured in from all directions while Collinsworth was already facing backlash for his commentary. Some viewers complained he spoke excessively, others grew weary of his approach, and many accused him of overemphasizing the Super Bowl rematch storyline.
He also faced scrutiny after describing a Patriots possession as a "masterclass drive" despite a pass-interference penalty having advanced the Patriots to the one-yard line.
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Cris Collinsworth's Carrie Underwood comments proved too much for some (Image: Getty Images)
Viewers quickly challenged the characterization and debated how much recognition the offense warranted for that sequence. The contest remained competitive until Seattle separated in the final period.
"Collinsworth has made multiple name errors and clearly has no idea how some of these guys play. He's gotta go," said one frustrated viewer. "Collinsworth is getting on my nerves," said another bluntly.
New England held a 7-0 advantage at halftime and extended its margin to 10-0 in the third period before Seattle finally answered. The Seahawks narrowed it to 10-3, then Drew Lock connected with star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 45-yard touchdown early in the fourth period.
Cris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico were on broadcast for NBC (Image: Getty Images)
Jason Myers subsequently converted the game-winning 26-yard field goal with 5:50 left for Seattle. Smith-Njigba concluded with eight receptions for 122 yards and the touchdown, while Lock completed 16-for-22 for 187 yards after Sam Darnold departed with an injury.
Patriots receiver AJ Brown also exited the game in the third quarter with an injury, having hauled in three passes for 26 yards. Collinsworth is set to commentate on the Indianapolis Colts-Kansas City Chiefs matchup in Week 2, alongside broadcast partner Mike Tirico.
It comes after Collinsworth risked getting shot after making a shocking comment.
Source: “AOL Sports”
