Mike Tirico to Miss SNF Due to Health Issue, Plans Return Next Week

Sports commentator Mike Tirico will not cover NBC’s Sunday Night Football game between the Bears and Buccaneers. His absence is due to an undisclosed health issue. Tirico, 59, announced on November 8 that he would not be part of the broadcast and thanked Noah Eagle for stepping in.

In his statement, Tirico mentioned, “Unfortunately, I will have to miss tonight’s game in Chicago due to a health issue.” He expressed eagerness to return next Sunday for the Steelers versus Bengals match alongside his colleagues, Cris Collinsworth and Melissa Stark. Details of his health issue were not disclosed.

Tirico has been the voice of Sunday Night Football since 2022, following his role as play-by-play announcer for ESPN’s Monday Night Football from 2006 to 2015. His contributions extend to Olympic and NBA commentary.

Noah Eagle, 29, will cover the Bears-Buccaneers game. He has been with NBC Sports, calling Big Ten Football games in his fourth season. The game at Soldier Field occurs on Sunday, November 8.

Tirico plans to return for the next Sunday Night Football broadcast on November 15, featuring the Steelers against the Bengals at Paycor Stadium. In 2025, Tirico experienced an allergic reaction at the Kentucky Derby from a nut allergy. He shared on the Today show that such reactions are rare due to his caution but required EMT treatment during the incident.