The long wait is finally over. Football returns tonight, and even though most starters will be watching from the sidelines, the 2025 Hall of Fame Game officially kicks off another season of America’s favorite sport. NBC rolls out its complete Sunday Night Football crew for this preseason opener between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers, treating fans to the full primetime experience.
What Time Does NBC’s Coverage Begin?
The 2025 Hall of Fame Game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 31. However, NBC’s coverage starts an hour earlier with pregame festivities beginning at 7 p.m. ET. A special edition of “Football Night in America” broadcasts live from Canton, Ohio, home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The entire broadcast will be broadcast on NBC and available to stream on Peacock.
Maria Taylor takes the hosting duties for the pregame show, bringing together an impressive panel of analysts. Jason Garrett, Devin McCourty, Chris Simms, Tony Dungy and Rodney Harrison provide expert analysis and commentary. They’re joined by NFL insider Mike Florio, fantasy sports industry pioneer Matthew Berry, and co-host Jac Collinsworth for comprehensive coverage.
The pregame show also features exclusive interviews with members of the 2025 Hall of Fame Class: tight end Antonio Gates, defensive back Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen and wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, as they prepare for their induction into football immortality.
Who Are the Game Announcers for the Hall of Fame Game?
Mike Tirico leads the broadcast from the booth, bringing his veteran play-by-play expertise to the call. The longtime announcer teams up with analyst Cris Collinsworth to form NBC’s signature announcing duo. Melissa Stark handles sideline reporting duties, while Terry McAulay returns as NBC’s rules analyst to break down any officiating decisions.
Tirico took over as NBC’s lead play-by-play voice for Sunday Night Football in 2022 and has quickly become synonymous with the network’s NFL coverage. His smooth delivery and encyclopedic knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice for everything from Super Bowls to Olympic ceremonies.
Meanwhile, Collinsworth continues his role as lead analyst, bringing the sharp insights and candid commentary that have become trademarks of NBC’s primetime coverage. The former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver and Emmy-winning broadcaster adds depth and perspective to every play.
Stark, who rejoined NBC’s NFL team in 2022 after a long tenure at ESPN, brings a journalistic approach to the broadcast. Her interviews and in-game updates provide viewers with real-time context and player perspectives that enhance the viewing experience. McAulay, a former NFL referee, offers expert analysis on officiating decisions and rule interpretations when needed.
Why Is Brent Musburger Joining the Broadcast?
This year’s Hall of Fame Game includes a special treat for longtime football fans. Legendary sportscaster Brent Musburger will join Tirico and Collinsworth in the booth during the second half, adding his iconic voice to the broadcast. Musburger recently received the 2025 Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award, recognizing his significant contributions to football broadcasting over his legendary career.
🚨🚨THIS IS AMAZING🚨🚨
Legendary announcer Brent Musburger will be joining NBC’s booth for the Detroit #Lions versus Los Angeles #Chargers Hall of Fame Game tomorrow night.
👏👏👏
A great way to honor Musburger at the home of the Hall of Fame, Canton, Ohio. pic.twitter.com/U4o5Lv7TlA
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) July 30, 2025
The addition of Musburger creates a perfect bridge between football’s storied past and its bright future. His presence in Canton, the heart of football history, adds special significance to an already meaningful night. With seasoned voices, fresh perspectives, and Hall of Fame flair throughout the broadcast, NBC’s coverage promises to deliver a celebratory start to the 2025 NFL season that honors the game’s traditions while looking ahead to another exciting year of football.
I thought I was going to watch football and not lengthy interviews. Cover the GAME.