NBC Sports broadcaster Mike Tirico missed the Sunday Night Football game between the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 8, 2026, because of an undisclosed health issue. The 59-year-old commentator confirmed his absence shortly before the game at Soldier Field in Chicago, with Noah Eagle stepping in as his replacement.
Tirico’s unexpected withdrawal raised questions about his health, particularly because he had previously experienced a serious allergic reaction during the Kentucky Derby in 2025. NBC has not disclosed the nature of his current medical issue, but Tirico said he expects to return for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals game on November 15.
What Happened to Mike Tirico?
Mike Tirico was scheduled to provide play-by-play commentary for NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast featuring the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
However, NBC announced on Sunday afternoon that Tirico would be unable to attend the game because of a health issue.
The broadcaster addressed his absence in a statement released by the network.
“Unfortunately, I will have to miss tonight’s game in Chicago due to a health issue,” Tirico said.
“I look forward to watching tonight and can’t wait to be back with Cris, Melissa and the rest of our SNF team next Sunday night in Cincinnati.”
Tirico did not provide additional information about his condition. NBC also declined to disclose further medical details.
Noah Eagle Replaces Mike Tirico on NBC
Following Tirico’s withdrawal, NBC selected 29-year-old Noah Eagle to handle play-by-play duties alongside Cris Collinsworth and sideline reporter Melissa Stark.
Eagle was already in the Midwest after calling Notre Dame’s 31-24 victory over Miami in South Bend, Indiana, on Saturday.
The broadcaster has experience covering NFL games, college football, basketball and other major sporting events.
During the opening of Sunday’s broadcast, Eagle acknowledged Tirico’s absence and explained that he was filling in because of a health issue.
The replacement also meant Tirico would have to wait to reach a major career milestone. The Bears-Buccaneers matchup was scheduled to be his 300th NFL broadcast.
Mike Tirico Also Misses NBA Broadcasting Assignment
Tirico’s health issue has also affected his basketball broadcasting schedule.
He was scheduled to call Tuesday’s NBA matchup between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on November 10.
NBC arranged for Eagle to replace him for that game as well, working alongside analyst Reggie Miller and reporter Zora Stephenson.
The decision gives Tirico additional time away from broadcasting before his expected return to Sunday Night Football.
NBC has not announced any permanent changes to his broadcasting responsibilities.
Mike Tirico Previously Suffered an Allergic Reaction
Tirico experienced another unexpected health incident during the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in May 2025.
The broadcaster was preparing to host NBC’s coverage when he developed a significant allergic reaction after accidentally consuming food containing nuts.
Tirico, who has lived with a nut allergy since childhood, experienced swelling and congestion affecting his throat and nose.
He used an EpiPen and received treatment from emergency medical technicians. NBC broadcaster Ahmed Fareed subsequently replaced him during the Derby coverage.
During an appearance on NBC’s Today show, Tirico explained that the reaction had affected his breathing and prevented him from continuing the broadcast.
He later confirmed that he had recovered.
There is no verified information connecting that allergic reaction to his November 2026 absence.
Mike Tirico’s Broadcasting Career With NBC
Tirico joined NBC Sports in 2016 after spending approximately 25 years with ESPN.
During his ESPN career, he became widely recognized for calling Monday Night Football games between 2006 and 2015.
He later became NBC’s lead Sunday Night Football play-by-play announcer in 2022, succeeding Al Michaels.
Beyond NFL coverage, Tirico has served as a prominent broadcaster for the Olympic Games, professional basketball, major golf tournaments and horse racing.
He also became a leading voice of NBC’s NBA coverage following the network’s return to broadcasting league games in October 2025.
When Will Mike Tirico Return to Sunday Night Football?
Mike Tirico expects to return to NBC’s broadcast booth on Sunday, November 15, when the Cincinnati Bengals host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
The game is expected to become his 300th career NFL broadcast, a milestone originally scheduled for the Bears-Buccaneers matchup.
Tirico has indicated that he plans to reunite with Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark and the rest of the NBC production team for the game.
As of November 9, 2026, NBC has not provided a diagnosis or further details about Tirico’s condition. His scheduled return remains November 15, with Noah Eagle covering his immediate broadcasting assignments.