NBC Sunday Night Football anthem omitted: Viewers criticise network for skipping US national anthem before Chicago Bears vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Veterans Day week

NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” is facing criticism for its national anthem decision this week. On Sunday night, NBC opted against showing the national anthem on TV, despite it being Veterans Day Week and Americans are unhappy with it. Moments before the game between the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers started, many Americans eagerly awaited the performance of The Star-Spangled Banner at Soldier Field.

But NBC skipped over the national anthem and instead broadcast an interview with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and their own Sunday Night Football anthem, performed by Carrie Underwood, instead.

ALSO READ: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's $81 billion divorce bill to wife could dwarf Amazon's Jeff Bezos' $35 billion settlement?

Viewers furious after NBC skips national anthem

Viewers expressed outrage after NBC's broadcast of Sunday Night Football failed to show the US national anthem before the Chicago Bears faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, November 8.

The decision sparked backlash on social media, particularly because the game took place during the NFL's annual 'Salute to Service' week, which honours military veterans. The controversy also came just days before the United States celebrates Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11.

Although viewers briefly saw an aerial view of the field during the pregame coverage, flag bearers were already carrying a folded American flag back into one of the stadium's tunnels, suggesting that the national anthem ceremony had taken place before the broadcast showed it.

ALSO READ: Blue Angels pilot Scott Laux suspended update: Who is his wife as photos with Danielle Cribb spark curiosity

'NBC should be ashamed'

The omission quickly triggered angry reactions from viewers, with several accusing NBC of disrespecting the country and military personnel.

One viewer criticised the network, writing: "This is a disgrace and @nbc should be ashamed of itself. Anyone who lives in this country should at the minimum respect the national anthem."

Another viewer wrote: "NBC skipped the national anthem on Sunday Night Football during Veterans Day week. NBC is pathetic. Sick!!! Americans need to speak out against these traitors!!!"

A third person expressed disappointment, saying their son was serving overseas and accusing the network of disrespecting military families.

Other viewers threatened to cancel their NBC and Peacock subscriptions over the decision.

One social media user wrote: "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."

Another criticised the network's broadcasting decision, arguing that it should not have skipped the national anthem during a week dedicated to honouring military service members.

Mike Tirico misses Sunday Night Football broadcast due to health issue

The national anthem controversy was not the only unexpected development surrounding NBC's Sunday Night Football coverage.

Veteran sportscaster Mike Tirico was forced to miss the broadcast because of a health issue. The network announced his absence just seven hours before kickoff, with Noah Eagle stepping in to replace him.

Tirico, 59, had been scheduled to call his 300th NFL game alongside analyst Cris Collinsworth, with Melissa Stark serving as the sideline reporter.

In a statement released by NBC, Tirico said: "Unfortunately, I will have to miss tonight's game in Chicago due to a health issue."

He added that he hoped to return the following week for the Cincinnati Bengals' game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The broadcaster is expected to return to the Sunday Night Football booth for next weekend's matchup in Cincinnati, subject to his recovery.