Cris Collinsworth’s absence from the NBC booth became the dominant chatter during the Cincinnati Bengals-Baltimore Ravens Thanksgiving game at M&T Bank Stadium, as his stand-in, Jason Garrett, drew heavy scrutiny and left fans wondering why the longtime analyst wasn’t there. Veteran analyst Collinsworth, celebrated for his sharp game insight, was absent from this year’s Thanksgiving broadcast. In his place, Garrett - a regular presence in NBC’s football lineup - joined lead play-by-play voice Mike Tirico.
At the end of NBC’s Buccaneers-Rams broadcast, Collinsworth and play-by-play partner Tirico announced that Garrett would take over color commentary for the Thanksgiving game. Collinsworth is expected to reunite with Tirico for NBC’s Sunday broadcast. His absence follows a planned schedule - Collinsworth chose to take the holiday off, as he has been doing it in past years.
His most recent appearance came during the Week 12 'Sunday Night Football' matchup between the Rams and Buccaneers, a notable broadcast that marked his 500th career game. Collinsworth is set to return for NBC’s Week 13 'Sunday Night Football' matchup, where he’ll be on the call for the Washington Commanders’ game against the Denver Broncos.
Jason Garrett joined NBC Sports in April 2022, taking on roles as a studio analyst for Football Night in America - the most-watched studio show in sports - and as a game analyst for NBC’s coverage of Notre Dame Football and the USFL, his first on-air assignment with the network. Garrett, a 1989 Princeton University graduate, filled in for Collinsworth during last year’s Thanksgiving game as well, partnering with Tirico for the Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins matchup.
Garrett previously enjoyed a 14-year NFL playing career, serving primarily as a backup quarterback with the Cowboys, Giants, Dolphins, Buccaneers, and Saints. He contributed to three Cowboys Super Bowl teams (1992, 1993, 1995) and was part of the Giants squad that reached the 2000 NFC Championship.
According to NBC website, before moving into broadcasting, Garrett spent nearly a decade as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys (2010-19), winning three division titles, earning AP Coach of the Year honors in 2016, and posting an 85-67 (.559) regular-season record - the second-highest win total of any coach in franchise history. His coaching journey began as the Miami Dolphins’ quarterbacks coach under Nick Saban.
At the end of NBC’s Buccaneers-Rams broadcast, Collinsworth and play-by-play partner Tirico announced that Garrett would take over color commentary for the Thanksgiving game. Collinsworth is expected to reunite with Tirico for NBC’s Sunday broadcast. His absence follows a planned schedule - Collinsworth chose to take the holiday off, as he has been doing it in past years.
His most recent appearance came during the Week 12 'Sunday Night Football' matchup between the Rams and Buccaneers, a notable broadcast that marked his 500th career game. Collinsworth is set to return for NBC’s Week 13 'Sunday Night Football' matchup, where he’ll be on the call for the Washington Commanders’ game against the Denver Broncos.
WHO IS JASON GARRETT?
Jason Garrett joined NBC Sports in April 2022, taking on roles as a studio analyst for Football Night in America - the most-watched studio show in sports - and as a game analyst for NBC’s coverage of Notre Dame Football and the USFL, his first on-air assignment with the network. Garrett, a 1989 Princeton University graduate, filled in for Collinsworth during last year’s Thanksgiving game as well, partnering with Tirico for the Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins matchup.
Garrett previously enjoyed a 14-year NFL playing career, serving primarily as a backup quarterback with the Cowboys, Giants, Dolphins, Buccaneers, and Saints. He contributed to three Cowboys Super Bowl teams (1992, 1993, 1995) and was part of the Giants squad that reached the 2000 NFC Championship.
According to NBC website, before moving into broadcasting, Garrett spent nearly a decade as head coach of the Dallas Cowboys (2010-19), winning three division titles, earning AP Coach of the Year honors in 2016, and posting an 85-67 (.559) regular-season record - the second-highest win total of any coach in franchise history. His coaching journey began as the Miami Dolphins’ quarterbacks coach under Nick Saban.
