Netflix's Christmas NFL Games Set Announcer Teams
The National Football League (NFL) and streaming giant Netflix announced the announcer teams for their second set of Christmas Day games on Tuesday, bringing back several familiar faces from last year's broadcasts. The early game between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders will feature CBS Sports' Ian Eagle on play-by-play, joined by analysts Nate Burleson and Matt Ryan.
Eagle, who is CBS' No. 2 NFL play-by-play announcer, has called numerous high-profile games throughout his career, including several playoff contests and a Super Bowl. Burleson, a former NFL player, co-hosts CBS Mornings and works on the network's Sunday pregame show The NFL Today alongside Ryan, who also played in the league.
The late afternoon game between the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings will have NBC's Noah Eagle, Ian's son, handling play-by-play duties. He will be joined by Super Bowl-winning quarterback Peyton Manning and former NFL player Cris Collinsworth.
"We're excited to bring back some of our favorite voices from last year's Christmas games," said a Netflix spokesperson. "Our announcer teams are top-notch, and we know they'll deliver an exciting broadcast for our viewers."
The NFL has partnered with CBS Sports to produce the games for Netflix, which will stream them exclusively on its platform. The move marks the second consecutive year that Netflix has aired Christmas Day NFL games.
Ian Eagle expressed his enthusiasm for calling another game on Christmas: "It's a special day, and I'm honored to be a part of it again this year. We're looking forward to bringing all the excitement and drama of the NFL to our viewers."
The games will take place on December 25, with kickoff times set for 1 p.m. ET (early game) and 4:30 p.m. ET (late afternoon game). Fans can catch the action live on Netflix.
Background
Last year's Christmas Day games on Netflix saw high ratings and positive reviews from viewers and critics alike. The partnership between the NFL and Netflix has been a success, providing an alternative viewing experience for fans who may not be able to watch traditional broadcasts due to scheduling conflicts or other reasons.
Additional Perspectives
NFL analyst and former player JJ Watt, who called one of last year's Christmas games alongside Ian Eagle and Nate Burleson, praised the announcer teams: "These guys are the best in the business. They bring a level of expertise and enthusiasm that makes every game feel special."
The NFL has stated its commitment to providing innovative and engaging content for fans, and the partnership with Netflix is seen as a key part of this effort.
Current Status
With the announcer teams announced, attention turns to the games themselves. Fans can expect high-quality broadcasts from experienced professionals, bringing all the excitement and drama of the NFL to their living rooms on Christmas Day.
*Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*