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NBC Sunday Night Football anthem omitted from the network’s broadcast Sunday night, drawing attention because the game was played at Chicago’s Soldier Field just three days before Veterans Day and during the NFL’s Salute to Service weekend.
NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” is regularly one of the most-watched programs on television. The pregame broadcast typically includes the national anthem before kickoff, making its absence noticeable to viewers watching the Chicago Bears host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 8, 2026.
Why the NBC Sunday Night Football Anthem Omitted Decision Stood Out
After analyst Cris Collinsworth and play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle introduced the broadcast, viewers saw a pregame interview with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. The program then showed an aerial view of the field as flag bearers carried a folded, field-sized American flag back toward one of the stadium’s tunnels.
However, the broadcast did not show or air “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Instead, NBC continued with its pregame coverage, including discussion of the Bears and the team’s acquisition of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.
The omission was especially striking because the NFL was highlighting its annual Salute to Service campaign. The timing also placed the decision close to Veterans Day, a federal holiday observed on November 11 to honor those who served in the U.S. military.
NBC Executives Have Not Explained the Omission
OutKick contacted NBC executive vice president of communications Greg Hughes and senior vice president of communications Chris McCloskey for an explanation. Neither executive had responded by the time the report was published.
The broadcast decision is generally made by the television network rather than the NFL or the participating club. That means the choice to leave out the national anthem appears to have been an editorial decision by NBC.
NBC did air Carrie Underwood’s “show anthem” during the program, but that performance did not replace the traditional national anthem segment for viewers expecting to see the ceremony before kickoff.
Chicago Bears Games Have Already Seen Anthem Controversies
The latest controversy follows other anthem-related moments involving the Bears this season. Earlier in the year, injured quarterback Caleb Williams was shown pacing along the sideline while the national anthem played before a game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Another Bears home game featured Mariachi Herencia de Mexico performing an instrumental mariachi version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as part of the team’s Hispanic Heritage Month “Vamos Bears” celebration. That performance received mixed reactions, while images of Williams moving along the sideline also prompted criticism and debate.
Against that backdrop, NBC’s decision to avoid televising the anthem altogether did not prevent discussion. Instead, it created a new point of contention among viewers who expected the ceremony to be part of the pregame presentation.
What the NBC Decision Could Mean for Future NFL Broadcasts
The incident highlights the influence networks have over the presentation of NFL games. While teams and the league organize ceremonies and promote initiatives such as Salute to Service, broadcasters determine which portions of the pregame experience reach television audiences.
For many fans, the national anthem remains a meaningful part of football’s connection to military service, patriotism and game-day tradition. For others, its inclusion or omission is part of a broader discussion about sports broadcasting and editorial choices.
With NBC yet to provide a public explanation, viewers are left to determine whether the omission was a scheduling choice, a production decision or an attempt to avoid controversy. Regardless of the reasoning, the decision was difficult to miss given the location, timing and military-themed NFL weekend.
FAQs About the NBC Sunday Night Football Anthem Omitted Broadcast
What happened to the national anthem on Sunday Night Football?
NBC did not show or air the national anthem during its November 8, 2026, broadcast of the Chicago Bears’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Where was the game played?
The game was played at Soldier Field in Chicago, home of the Bears.
Why was the omission controversial?
The broadcast took place during the NFL’s Salute to Service weekend and three days before Veterans Day, making the missing anthem especially noticeable to viewers.
Did NBC explain why the anthem was omitted?
At the time of publication, NBC executives Greg Hughes and Chris McCloskey had not responded to requests for comment.
Who decides whether the anthem appears on an NFL broadcast?
The decision is generally made by the television network. It is not typically determined by the NFL or the individual team.
