This occurred moments before Cris Collinsworth made NBC audiences cringe with an annoying mistake.
When prompted to explain the “best way to attack that group” during the Sunday Night Football pregame segment focusing on the Commanders defense, Harrison hesitated, shuffled through his papers, and responded: “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.”, reports the Mirror US.
“That’s it. I’m sorry guys.” The unusual incident rarely occurs on live television, as Harrison seemed to completely lose his composure. Viewers immediately expressed worry about the former safety’s condition, with one posting: “Something not right with Rodney Harrison tonight.”
Anxiety quickly mounted among watching fans. Another commented: “Rodney Harrison. What’s going on homie? You good?”
“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 competed in the NFL for 15 seasons with the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots, where he secured his two Lombardi Trophies. He hung up his cleats after earning two Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro first-team honors, and maintains the defensive back record for sacks. Harrison became the first NFL player to achieve 30 sacks and 30 interceptions.
Following his NFL retirement in 2009, he has worked as an analyst for NBC’s Football Night in America. He is accustomed to television appearances and providing expert analysis, so his difficulties during the pregame broadcast came as a shock and generated worry among viewers.
