NFL on CBS

NFL on CBS is the branding used for broadcasts of National Football League games produced by CBS Sports, the sports division of the CBS television network in the United States. It is one of the league's longest-running television packages, having aired games since the 1950s. The broadcasts are known for their extensive coverage, iconic theme music, and veteran announcing crews.

History

The network first televised NFL games in 1956, securing rights to broadcast regular-season contests featuring National Football Conference teams. This early period saw the broadcast of historic events like the 1958 NFL Championship Game, famously known as "The Greatest Game Ever Played." After losing the rights to NBC in 1994, the network regained a premier package in 1998, which included the American Football Conference schedule. Landmark moments covered include Super Bowl XXXV and the network's innovative use of the 1st & Ten graphics system. The current era has been defined by flexible scheduling and the addition of Thursday Night Football to its portfolio.

Television contracts

The current media rights agreement, negotiated with the National Football League and running through the 2033 season, is valued at over $2 billion annually. This deal grants the network exclusive broadcast rights to American Football Conference games, select NBC Sunday Night Football contests, and a share of the Super Bowl rotation, including Super Bowl LVII. The package also includes the Fox-produced Thursday Night Football games and exclusive rights to the AFC Championship Game. These contracts are part of the league's broader partnerships with networks like ESPN and Amazon Prime Video.

Game broadcasts

Regular game coverage typically features a doubleheader on Sunday afternoons, with early and late windows showcasing AFC matchups. Broadcasts are renowned for their technical innovations, such as the CBS Eye on the NFL and extensive use of CBS Sports 4K resolution production. The coverage of the AFC Championship Game is a major annual event, leading into the Super Bowl. Notable regular-season broadcasts include the Thanksgiving Day game and select NFL International Series contests held in locations like London and Munich.

Pregame and postgame shows

The flagship studio show is The NFL Today, which has been hosted by figures like Greg Gumbel and features analysts including Phil Simms, Bill Cowher, and Boomer Esiason. This program originates from the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City and provides extensive pregame analysis, injury reports, and feature segments. Postgame coverage immediately follows the late afternoon games, offering highlights, scores from around the league, and in-depth discussion of major events, often tying into the network's coverage of NCAA football on CBS.

Broadcast team

The lead play-by-play commentator is Jim Nantz, who is frequently paired with analyst Tony Romo; this duo often calls the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl. Other notable voices include Ian Eagle, Kevin Harlan, and analyst Charles Davis. Reporters like Tracy Wolfson and Jay Feely provide sideline insights. The production teams are led by veteran directors and producers from CBS Sports, ensuring consistent coverage that complements the presentation styles of rivals Fox and NBC.

Category:American football on television Category:CBS Sports Category:National Football League on television