The Atlanta Falcons’ star running back Bijan Robinson left Cris Collinsworth in awe on Sunday night with a play that was as unique as it was impressive during the Chiefs vs. Falcons game.
In the first half, quarterback Kirk Cousins, filling in as a guest QB for the night, was supposed to hand off the ball to Robinson, but things didn’t go as planned. Cousins fumbled the snap, accidentally knocking the ball into the air. Instead of disaster striking, Robinson turned the botched play into a moment of brilliance. Without missing a beat, the second-year running back caught the ball midair while charging forward, gaining nine crucial yards in the process and saving the play.
Cris Collinsworth, the veteran Sunday Night Football commentator, was left astonished by the moment. The former wide receiver, now in his 16th season as NBC’s lead color analyst, had seen plenty of impressive plays in his time, but Robinson’s quick reflexes left him speechless. “Unbelievable!” Collinsworth exclaimed. “I’ve never seen anything like that.” As the crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium erupted, Collinsworth added, “Things are getting crazy around here tonight. There’s something in the atmosphere.”
Robinson’s incredible save not only stunned Collinsworth but also added another highlight to his already impressive reel as one of the NFL’s rising stars. His quick thinking and athleticism epitomize why he’s become such a crucial part of the Falcons’ offense, and this play was yet another example of his game-changing abilities.
RELATED: NBC’s Future Plans for Cris Collinsworth Revealed
As Collinsworth marveled at Robinson’s play, news swirled about the commentator’s future in the broadcasting booth. According to reports from The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Collinsworth is nearing an agreement with NBC to extend his role as the network’s lead analyst for Sunday Night Football. If finalized, the new deal would see Collinsworth stay with NBC through Super Bowl LXIV in 2030, marking over 20 years of his broadcasting career by the time he turns 71.
This development would be a significant commitment from NBC, reaffirming Collinsworth’s place as the face (and voice) of their NFL coverage for the foreseeable future.
However, this also spells uncertainty for other broadcasters vying for top positions, particularly Greg Olsen, who has openly expressed his desire to return as a lead NFL analyst. Olsen, who was bumped to Fox’s No. 2 commentary team following Tom Brady’s $375 million, 10-year deal with the network, remains ambitious about reclaiming a top spot.
Olsen, while gracious about his demotion, has not hidden his ambition to be the lead analyst once again. Speaking on The Dan Patrick Show earlier this year, Olsen shared his thoughts: “My goals and aspirations, if anything, have even gotten more committed. I want to call top games. I want to call games in front of 57 million people and dive into the biggest moments. Where that is, how that is, when that is—I don’t know.”
Olsen acknowledged the complexities of the broadcasting landscape, stating, “There are so many moving parts out of my control. But my goal is to be a top A broadcaster again, and I’m gonna do everything in my power to achieve that.”
As Olsen strives for another shot at the lead, it seems Collinsworth’s reign as NBC’s top NFL analyst is far from over.
With his likely contract extension on the horizon, Collinsworth will continue to bring his insights and personality to Sunday Night Football, adding to his already illustrious career in the booth. For football fans, this means more years of Collinsworth calling incredible moments like Bijan Robinson’s standout play, while for Olsen, it signals a longer wait to reclaim the top spot he’s eager to achieve.
Meanwhile, Robinson will be looking to build on his remarkable performances, and if Sunday’s play is any indication, his future in the league is as bright as Collinsworth’s in the broadcast booth
