Mike Tirico is set to make history this February by becoming the first broadcaster to call a Super Bowl and serve as the main host for Olympic coverage in the same year. This unique opportunity comes after a remarkable career and a time of transition for NBC Sports. Tirico will first take on play-by-play duties for the Super Bowl on Sunday, marking a significant milestone as he becomes the 13th announcer to take on this role, and the fourth for NBC.
Excitement is palpable as Tirico reflects on this extraordinary moment. “Nothing can match this winter. You don’t even think about dreaming of doing something like this because it’s stupid to think that this is reality,” he stated. He previously hosted the Super Bowl pregame in 2022 and has been a prominent voice in sports broadcasting, covering various high-profile events, including the Winter Olympics and NBA games. This season marks the return of NBA broadcasts to NBC after a hiatus since 2022.
Tirico’s February has started off with intensity as he called a Los Angeles Lakers-New York Knicks game to kick off NBC’s “Sunday Night Basketball” package. Following the Super Bowl, he will seamlessly transition to Olympic coverage, jetting off to Milan to begin reporting for the Winter Games. His experience at major sporting events has honed his storytelling abilities, enabling him to captivate audiences with compelling narratives.
Rob Hyland, the producer for NBC, praised Tirico’s storytelling prowess, particularly recalling a moment where Tirico effectively summarized a significant play involving a rookie kicker without the aid of video. “I think Mike has become, in my opinion, the best storyteller in live television,” Hyland remarked, emphasizing Tirico’s unique skill in engaging audiences with the heart of sports stories.
As he embarks on this dual journey, Tirico’s gratitude and enthusiasm shine through, manifesting not just his momentous achievements but also setting the stage for an exciting year in sports broadcasting. This February will undoubtedly remain a standout in Tirico’s illustrious career, inviting audiences to join him in celebrating the joy and drama of sports.