NBC urged to fire Mike Tomlin just minutes into debut as host corrects humiliating error
NBC urged to fire Mike Tomlin just minutes into debut as host corrects humiliating error
Rory Robinson Thu, September 10, 2026 at 8:14 PM UTC
364
NFL fans noted Mike Tomlin's repeated mistake while saying Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s "JSN" nickname -Credit:NBC/Peacock
Mike Tomlin barely had time to settle into his NBC analyst chair before NFL fans pounced on his early verbal mistake involving Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s nickname on his first night under the studio lights.
Tomlin, whose true colors were exposed by one of his former players, repeatedly mixed up the initials of the Seahawks star receiver before Wednesday night's season opener against the New England Patriots at Lumen Field. Instead of calling Smith-Njigba by his familiar nickname JSN, Tomlin kept saying JNS.
NFL fans who were hungry for any pregame drama latched onto the mistake and turned it into a running joke before the first snap and even called for his job. It comes after the Buffalo Bills made a national anthem decision that will infuriate Donald Trump.
• Trump humiliated as NFL game plays inside Dallas stadium as he drones on for over an hour
• Vanessa Trump hits Tiger Woods with deal-breaker in foul-mouthed ultimatum
One viewer on X wrote, "Mike Tomlin just called JSN, JNS. Fire him from NBC." Tomlin signed the deal with NBC Sports after coaching the Steelers for 19 seasons straight.
Another joked that repeatedly showed up was Tomlin already being "in mid-season form," while a different fan added, "Welcome to the big leagues, Mike Tomlin. Game comes at you quick, just like JNS."
Maria Taylor tried to help straighten out the initials during the segment. One viewer thanked her for correcting Tomlin, and the overall vibes demonstrated that the repeated mistake was more endearing than damaging to his debut.
Advertisement
Multiple fans praised his television presence, with one saying he was "very good on TV," while another said it was simply strange to see the former Steelers coach working the sideline without the familiar hat and headset.
Smith-Njigba’s name was already dragged into a far uglier NFL TV moment earlier this year when a purposeful botched variation crossed a line and sparked backlash that went well beyond a harmless slip.
Comedian Druski intentionally cycled through several mispronunciations of the Seahawks receiver's name while presenting him as the 2025 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year at NFL Honors.
• Broncos cheerleader sparks NFL demand after revealing reality of career
• Cris Collinsworth slammed by NFL fans as Carrie Underwood comments made
Druski later said he reached out to Smith-Njigba to apologize and congratulate him on Seattle's Super Bowl success, but admitted the receiver never responded.
Ex-Seahawks safety Jamal Adams was among those who criticized the bit and argued there was a very simple solution: call him “JSN." Tomlin attempted to do just that before JSN caught the first pass of the game for 13 yards.
Tomlin previously shocked NFL fans by admitting to building a detailed, full-scale city in the video game Minecraft and used it to connect with his children while coaching and in retirement.
Meanwhile, Tomlin's former player Aaron Rodgers claimed his famous ex asked him a sickening question two days after they got engaged.
Source: “AOL Sports”
