The Denver Broncos and Washington Commanders are set to go head-to-head on Sunday Night Football, and NBC analyst Rodney Harrison appeared to freeze up when discussing Dan Quinn’s defense
20:04 ET, 30 Nov 2025
Rodney Harrison is an NBC Sports regular, but he appeared off when quizzed about the Commanders defense(Image: Getty Images)
Sunday Night Football viewers questioned whether Rodney Harrison is OK after the former NFL star faltered when discussing the clash between the Broncos and Commanders.
The showdown between the high-flying Broncos and struggling Commanders is set to cap off the Sunday slate of action. Jayden Daniels is not ready to return from his horrific dislocated elbow injury, so Marcus Mariota will go head-to-head with Bo Nix.
One of the biggest factors in the game will likely be the strength of the impressive Broncos defense, which has Alex Singleton back following his cancer scare. The Washington defense has not quite been as strong, but a question regarding how to attack them threw off Harrison. It came just before Cris Collinsworth mades NBC viewers’ ears bleed with an irritating blunder.
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When asked to offer the “best way to attack that group” as the Sunday Night Football pregame show discussed the Commanders defense, Harrison paused, played with his notes, and said: “The best way to attack them… There’s a lot of stuff going on, I’m sorry. They don’t have a lot of discipline on the defensive side of the ball.
“That’s it. I’m sorry guys.”
It was an odd moment that is rarely seen on television, as Harrison appeared to freeze up. Fans immediately questioned if the former safety is OK, with one writing: “Something not right with Rodney Harrison tonight.”
Concern quickly spread around fans watching on. One wrote: “Rodney Harrison. What’s going on homie? You good?”
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“What’s going on with Rodney Harrison? Is someone going to check on him? Stumbling and forgetting his words,” another posted. One more wrote: “Is Rodney Harrison okay? Not even joking. Hope he’s alright.”
“Not judging, but asking out of concern. Is Rodney Harrison ok?” questioned another. Others called for people to check in on Harrison, while one fan tagged NBC Sports and hoped the broadcaster would make sure of the two-time Super Bowl champion’s safety.
“@NBCSports someone please check on Rodney Harrison and make sure he’s physically okay!!” the fan posted. “I’m being very serious!!”
Harrison is a former safety who played in the NFL for 15 seasons with the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots, where he won his two Lombardi Trophies.
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He retired after making two Pro Bowls and two All-Pro first-team selections, and holds the defensive back record for sacks. Harrison was the first NFL player to obtain 30 sacks and 30 interceptions.
Since retiring from the NFL in 2009, he has served as a commentator for NBC’s Football Night in America. He is used to appearing on television and offering insight, so his struggles on the pregame show were a surprise and sparked concern among fans.
