NBC Faces Backlash After National Anthem Snub During Chicago Bears-Tampa Bay Buccaneers Game

NBC slammed for skipping national anthem during NFL game© X formally Twitter

NBC viewers waited for the national anthem before Sunday Night Football and never got it. The Bears hosted the Buccaneers at Soldier Field on Nov. 8, part of the NFL's Salute to Service campaign, with Veterans Day arriving on Wednesday. At home, fans saw a Caleb Williams interview and the usual Carrie Underwood introduction. When the aerial shot of the stadium finally came up, crews were already carrying a folded flag off the field. The anthem had been performed in the stadium. Television audiences never saw it, and plenty of them said so online.

Fans react to the missing anthem and Mike Tirico's late exit

Complaints piled up on social media. "This is a disgrace and @nbc should be ashamed of itself," one viewer wrote. "Anyone who lives in this country should at the minimum respect the national anthem."

Another fan went after the network's priorities. "You don't have the patriotism or decency to do the anthem for Sunday Night Football, but made sure that your stupid intro was aired," the supporter complained.

One more viewer wrote, "NBC skipped the national anthem on Sunday Night Football during Veterans Day week."

The NFL organizes pregame ceremonies, but networks usually choose which pieces to air. NBC has not been quoted on why this one was left out.

The broadcast had a second problem that day. Mike Tirico dropped out earlier Sunday, saying in a statement, "Unfortunately, I will have to miss tonight's game in Chicago due to a health issue." The 59-year-old was due to call his 300th NFL game with Cris Collinsworth, and Noah Eagle filled in on short notice.

Bears beat Buccaneers 27-24 on a last-second field goal

Chicago won in a tight finish. The Bears played a messy game and trailed the whole way in spirit, if not on the scoreboard, until Williams found Colston Loveland for 38 yards late in the fourth quarter. That throw set up Cairo Santos, who made a 38-yard field goal as time ran out. The 27-24 win moved Chicago to 7-2.

For the fans in the stands, that kick was the night. For some at home, the lasting memory was a flag leaving the field before they could see anything else. Whether NBC explains its choice will probably decide how long the complaints keep going.