The NFL's return couldn't have asked for a better soundtrack. As the Hall of Fame Game came down to the wire, NBC's Mike Tirico delivered a call that had fans on the edge of their seats—and then cheering in unison.
With the Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers locked in a preseason thriller, it was Panthers quarterback Haynes King who stole the spotlight. The former Georgia Tech standout completed 21 of 34 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, capping his night with a dramatic scramble into the end zone as time expired, sealing a 33-30 victory.
Tirico, known for his iconic playoff and Super Bowl calls, treated this moment with the same reverence. His voice soared as King crossed the goal line, and the broadcast booth erupted with pure, unfiltered excitement.
Fans immediately took to social media to praise Tirico's enthusiasm. One fan wrote, "Good! I wish more announcers did that for preseason games and exhibition, games and summer league games in basketball to make it more exciting for the audience to watch. That's their job."
Another added, "At the end of the day, it's entertainment. Was an entertaining ending. Let's enjoy the fact that football is back."
Others chimed in with playful demands: "Let Tirico cook," and "After the long wait, it's what I needed to jumpstart the season. Most football fans share that excitement and energy."
The moment even caught the attention of Awful Announcing, which shared a clip of the call with the caption, "Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth calling the NFL Hall of Fame Game finish like the Super Bowl!"
This kind of passion is exactly what fans have come to expect from Tirico, who has been a staple in NFL broadcasting for years. His ability to elevate even exhibition games is a testament to his craft—and a reminder of why broadcasters like him are so valued.
Looking ahead, Tirico's schedule is packed. He'll be on the call for the season opener between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9, a rematch of last season's Super Bowl. Then, he and Collinsworth will team up for a Week 1 NFC East showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants on Sept. 13.
If his Hall of Fame Game performance is any indication, NFL fans are in for a season of unforgettable calls. And with the offseason drama already heating up, the return of live football—and Tirico's voice—is exactly what we needed.
