NFL fans are crying foul after NBC's Sunday Night Football pregame segment featuring comedian Nikki Glaser took a decidedly one-sided approach. The piece, which aired before the Kansas City Chiefs' overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts, focused almost entirely on the Chiefs—and fans were not having it.
Glaser, a self-described Taylor Swift fan, narrated a glossy tribute to the Chiefs, complete with references to dynasties, Swift's presence at Arrowhead Stadium, and a cheeky nod to the team's recent success. "People love a winner—until they win too much," she said. "People want dynasties to die and for chaps to become chumps." She added, "And when that downfall finally comes, it hurts like a Tush Push you weren't expecting."
But it wasn't just the content that drew ire—it was the complete omission of the Colts. Fans took to social media to accuse NBC of producing a free advertisement for the Chiefs, ignoring the fact that two teams were playing. "Why do the Chiefs get a free publicity commercial from NBC SNF in that Nikki Glaser piece? There are 2 teams in this game and the Colts didn't get one. There was absolutely no reason for it – what a joke," one fan wrote.
The backlash was swift and widespread. "Let's see if home team every Sunday night gets one,….. IF NOT, then it proves the NFL bias we accuse them of," another fan added. Others questioned the logic behind the segment, with one noting, "The number of fans who want this is extremely marginal compared to the fans who don't. You aren't bringing more fans in, you're just (angering) off actual fans."
Some fans were more direct in their criticism of NBC's editorial choices. "I'm glad everyone is calling out nbc for this bs, this is a national broadcast you can't just act like the other team doesn't exist even though we all know your cheering for the chiefs just shameless and disgusting," one comment read.
Even some female NFL fans, who might be seen as the target audience for the Swift angle, felt alienated. "As a lifelong female NFL fan who likes Taylor's music, this was the most cringe glazing nonsense almost ad for the Chiefs. No mention of the Colts at all? They have a female owner. Where's a video about that? Or any mention of the other team playing? I have nothing against the Chiefs but in over this narrative being pushed. Female NFL fans like a variety of teams, and don't need to be pandered to like this at the expense of all other fans," one fan wrote.
The segment also highlighted Glaser's comments about Swift, who has become a regular at Chiefs games. "And it's safe to say the world's greatest singer-songwriter is now a permanent fixture at Arrowhead [Stadium]," Glaser said. "And I speak for all Swifties when I say, we want more cutaways." That line, while playful, only added fuel to the fire for fans who felt the segment was more about celebrity than football.
This isn't the first time NBC has faced criticism for its pregame coverage. Earlier this season, Ryan Fitzpatrick's frat-boy antics on Thursday Night Football drew similar fan fury. And the network has also been under fire for Carrie Underwood's opening theme, with some fans calling for a change.
Meanwhile, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce made headlines of his own with a flashy $150K pregame outfit, adding to the Chiefs-centric narrative that some fans find exhausting. But for those who tuned in to watch the Colts, the lack of representation was the real story.
So, did NBC cross the line with its pregame segment? The answer seems to be a resounding yes for many fans. As one put it, "There was absolutely no reason for it – what a joke."
What did you make of Glaser's commentary? Was it harmless fun or a sign of NFL media bias? The debate is likely to continue as the season rolls on.
