NFL fans are already sharpening their mute buttons after learning that Cris Collinsworth will handle the play-by-play for the 2026 Thanksgiving showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. The league released its full 2026 schedule Thursday night, and while the matchup itself—Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen—is a dream for football purists, the choice of announcer has sparked a wave of frustration across social media.
Collinsworth, a longtime NBC analyst known for his enthusiastic—and often polarizing—commentary, will be on the call for the game. Many fans feel his style leans too heavily into hero-worship of star quarterbacks, especially Mahomes and Allen. “It’s nice that Romo won’t be calling this one, but Collinsworth might be even worse,” one fan wrote on X, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. Another added, “This is a disaster,” while a third simply said, “Welp, I’ll be watching this one on mute.”
The backlash isn’t limited to casual viewers. Even CBS’s Jim Nantz, who along with Tony Romo has called several Chiefs-Bills games in recent years, expressed disappointment. Nantz called the matchup “the rivalry of its time” in an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina. “But, you know, you’re not gonna get it every year. So, I’m O.K. with it. I have faith we’re going to get a very good schedule. I kind of had a sinking feeling that one of these years, somebody else was gonna get the chance to have that great matchup. It’s O.K.,” Nantz said.
This isn’t the first time the NFL schedule has drawn fan ire this year. The league has faced criticism over the Denver Broncos' brutal early schedule, which some believe is a quiet punishment from the league. Meanwhile, Titans fans are crying foul over what they see as a snub of rookie quarterback Cam Ward in the schedule release.
For many fans, the issue with Collinsworth goes beyond personal preference. They argue that his commentary can overshadow the game itself, especially during high-stakes matchups. “Collinsworth calling Mahomes games is just a no-go for me. Wish this was on another network,” one fan wrote. Another added, “Not gonna tune in for this one. I just can’t do it.”
The Thanksgiving game is one of the most anticipated on the 2026 calendar, with both teams expected to be contenders. The Chiefs and Bills have developed one of the NFL’s most compelling rivalries, marked by playoff clashes and regular-season thrillers. But for fans who prefer a more balanced commentary style, the thought of Collinsworth’s effusive praise for Mahomes is a dealbreaker.
NBC has not responded to the backlash, and it’s unlikely they will change the assignment. Collinsworth is a fixture on the network’s top broadcasts, and the Thanksgiving slot is a prime showcase. Still, the outcry highlights a growing frustration among viewers who feel that the network’s choice of announcer can make or break the viewing experience.
As Thanksgiving 2026 approaches, fans will have to decide whether to tune in and endure Collinsworth’s commentary or find alternative ways to watch—perhaps with the sound off. For now, the debate rages on, with many hoping that future schedule releases will bring better news for their ears.
