Cris Collinsworth is not in the NBC booth for Thanksgiving’s Ravens vs. Bengals game, with Jason Garrett stepping in—here’s the inside story on why it matters and how it will affect NFL fans’ holiday experience.
When Cris Collinsworth is absent from an NFL broadcast, fans take notice—especially on a stage as iconic as the Thanksgiving night game. For 2025, NBC’s top analyst will be off the air, with Jason Garrett substituting in for the prime AFC North showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals [USA TODAY Sports].
The Tradition: Collinsworth and Thanksgiving Night
Collinsworth is more than a color commentator—he is now synonymous with NBC’s football identity after 500 broadcasted games, including countless Sunday and holiday showdowns [Yahoo Sports]. His yearly presence on Thanksgiving offers fans continuity, expert analysis, and a distinct on-air chemistry with play-by-play partner Mike Tirico.
This year, a planned break means Collinsworth will spend Thanksgiving off the air—a scheduling choice he’s made in 2024 and in other seasons as well. This isn’t a sudden development or cause for alarm, but part of the evolving landscape for established broadcasters as they prioritize longevity and balance.
Who’s in the Booth: The Rise of Jason Garrett
NBC has tapped Jason Garrett, the former Dallas Cowboys head coach and now veteran studio analyst, as Collinsworth’s replacement for the night. Garrett isn’t new to this moment—he handled NBC’s Thanksgiving duties last season when Collinsworth took time off, working alongside Tirico for the Packers vs. Dolphins prime-time game [USA TODAY Sports].
This isn’t merely a stopgap solution—for NBC, grooming backup analysts for high-stakes broadcasts has become vital. Other stand-ins like Tony Dungy, Rodney Harrison, and Drew Brees have also been featured, reflecting the depth NBC wants in its coverage and the dynamic nature of modern sports broadcasting.
The Impact for the Broadcast—and for Fans
While Collinsworth’s absence is officially a holiday break, its impact goes deeper. Viewers have come to trust his candor, strategic vision, and occasional wit to raise the energy of must-watch NFL prime-time games. His dynamic with Tirico sets a certain tone—so any change, even a temporary one, is felt by the national audience.
Garrett brings coaching pedigree and a methodical approach, but his on-air rhythm diverges from Collinsworth’s quick-hitting style. For the fans, this is a live experiment: How will NBC’s coverage feel different? Will Garrett’s perspective create new insight, or will fans crave Collinsworth’s signature breakdowns? These moments become fodder for debate on social media, forums, and at kitchen tables across the country.
Collinsworth’s Broadcasting Legacy: 500 Games and Counting
2025’s Week 12 Sunday Night Football marked Collinsworth’s 500th broadcast—a milestone that underscores his extraordinary staying power in sports media. His consistent presence has shaped expectations of what prime-time NFL analysis should be. Notably, he’s set to return for Week 13’s high-profile matchup between the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos [Yahoo Sports].
What This Signals for the Future of NFL Broadcasts
Collinsworth’s planned absence—like those he’s taken in previous seasons—is indicative of how networks now manage top talents amid marathon schedules and evolving audience demands. Veteran analysts are not just faces but brands, and protecting their long-term viability has become critical for networks like NBC.
The practice of rotating guest analysts also keeps coverage fresh, offers backup for sudden absences, and helps identify new voices who could eventually rise to top-tier positions. With the NFL’s ever-expanding national calendar, expect this “next man up” philosophy to remain—and fans to be more invested than ever in who’s behind the mic for the marquee matchups.
Fan Reaction: What’s Being Said?
From Twitter threads to fan podcasts, Collinsworth’s holiday break has triggered speculation and a flurry of opinion. Some viewers appreciate NBC’s willingness to offer veteran talent needed time off, seeing it as a smart, humane decision. Others express nostalgia, insisting the classic Tirico-Collinsworth tandem is irreplaceable for big moments.
- Trade rumors and future booth partnerships: With Garrett, Dungy, and Harrison in the mix, fans naturally wonder if NBC is road-testing potential future lead analysts.
- Style shifts on air: Speculation buzzes about whether Garrett’s cerebral voice fits the emotion-charged holiday slot, or whether he’ll be encouraged to bring the energy up.
- “What if” scenarios: Every Thanksgiving, sports bars and family tables debate, “Would Collinsworth have seen that play differently?”
This kind of engagement is the heart of sports viewership—fans not only watch the game, they critique the storytellers.
The Bottom Line
Cris Collinsworth taking Thanksgiving off won’t change the outcome on the field, but it does alter the experience in living rooms nationwide. NBC’s succession plan, with strong reserves like Jason Garrett, ensures no drop-off in professionalism or insight. Still, the conversation about what defines the “ideal” NFL broadcast team is as lively as any play-call debate.
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