NFL coverage on Sunday, November 30, took an unexpected turn when longtime NBC analyst and former All-Pro safety Rodney Harrison appeared to momentarily lose his train of thought during a live segment, sparking immediate concern from viewers watching at home.
According to The Spun, the moment occurred during Football Night in America while Harrison was previewing the Washington Commanders–Denver Broncos matchup. Asked to break down how Denver could attack Washington’s defense, Harrison began his answer before abruptly stopping mid-sentence.
After a brief pause, he asked for the question to be repeated and ultimately wrapped the thought with a short, apologetic close: “That’s it. I’m sorry, guys.”
The pause was brief, but noticeable enough that fans quickly took to social media, questioning whether something was wrong.
Sports media account Awful Announcing addressed the moment shortly after it aired, posting an update that read: “There was some concern about NBC’s Rodney Harrison not appearing well during Football Night in America. We are told he is fine and will appear postgame on Peacock.”
Harrison did, in fact, continue with the rest of the broadcast and reappeared later without any visible issues. NBC did not issue a formal statement beyond the clarification shared via Awful Announcing, and Harrison himself has not publicly addressed the moment as of press time.
Now 52, Harrison has been a familiar presence on NBC’s NFL coverage since retiring from football in 2009. Before transitioning into broadcasting, he built a decorated 15-year career with the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots.
A fifth-round pick out of Western Illinois, Harrison became one of the most versatile defensive backs in league history, finishing his career as the NFL’s all-time leader in sacks by a defensive back while also recording 30 interceptions.
He won two Super Bowls with the Patriots, earned multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, and was later inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2019. Earlier this year, Harrison was also honored with induction into the Chargers Hall of Fame.