The NBC NFL broadcast team for 2026 will look slightly different, as the media powerhouse parted ways with a Super Bowl champion. Analyst and commentator changes aren’t unusual in sports; however, the latest change comes after a 17-year career in broadcasting.
Super Bowl Champion Tony Dungy Bids ‘Disappointing’ Farewell to NBC NFL Cast
Tony Dungy, who coached the legendary Peyton Manning to his first Super Bowl, joined NBC’s NFL cast in 2009, right after he retired as a coach. It turned out to be a move that defined the following 17 years of his life.
Dungy ended up spending more time with NBC than he did as a head coach in his entire career in the league. As such, when talks of a split materialized this week, the veteran broadcaster had a hard goodbye to say.
“I have been informed by NBC that I won’t be back with FNIA this fall, and it has given me time to reflect and also to look ahead,” Dungy posted on X. “It’s disappointing news, but I want to thank my NBC family for making the last 17 years so special. I’ll have lasting memories of my time there, especially with Rodney Harrison, who has become a tremendous friend.”
I have been informed by NBC that I won’t be back with FNIA this fall and it has given me time to reflect and also to look ahead.
It’s disappointing news but I want to thank my NBC family for making the last 17 years so special. I’ll have lasting memories of my time there,… pic.twitter.com/Q01cHIjkjm — Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) March 12, 2026
Dungy and fellow analyst Rodney Harrison retired from the NFL at the same time, Dungy as a coach and Harrison as a player. They joined the NBC crew thereafter and never looked back, making Dungy’s mention of Harrison in his farewell particularly noteworthy.
“God has always directed me in these moments and while I’m not sure what the next step will be for me — whether it will be in football, in broadcasting, or getting more involved in church and community outreach — I know God has plans for my life and I can’t wait to see them unfold,” Dungy said.
“And I am reminded of one of my favorite verses in the Bible — Romans 8:28. ‘God works all things for His good for those who love the Lord.'”
The Super Bowl champ became very familiar with the sports media scene in the years he spent with NBC. He even made a number of commentating appearances, calling games alongside the likes of Al Michaels and others.
Whether he finally steps away from football after 48 years remains to be seen. Being a father of 11 never stopped him from pursuing his professional goals, and there’s no reason to believe that it should now.
I was in high school at Parkside High School in Jackson, Michigan when Coach Dungy was a senior, and the star of the school. If I’m not mistaken, he lettered 8 times in football & basketball, I was on the freshman squad and during practice, he would come and lead us in drills. Even then he treated everyone with respect and was willing to share his knowledge with all. One of the best people I’ve known. God’s speed Coach.
God bless Coach Dungy!
He’s 70!