Fans of the NFL and NBC were left unsettled on Sunday night when former Patriots star and current analyst Rodney Harrison appeared to freeze while on air.
The 52-year-old joined the Sunday Night Football broadcast team for the Denver Broncos vs. Washington Commanders clash at Northwest Stadium, but what began as a routine segment quickly became a worrying moment for viewers.
A Pause That Raised Eyebrows
During the broadcast, Harrison was asked about what he thought would be “the best way to attack” the Commanders.
Instead of giving a clear answer, he paused and requested the question be repeated. Once it was, he said hesitantly:
“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.”
The awkward moment immediately drew attention, with many viewers sharing the clip on social media and expressing concern for the former NFL safety.
Social Media Reacts With Concern and Speculation
The video quickly went viral. Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to send their thoughts and prayers. Some were genuinely worried:
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“Sure hope he is ok,” one wrote.
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“Something not right with Rodney Harrison tonight #SNFonNBC,” commented another.
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“It looks like he just got some really bad news,” added a third.
At the same time, some viewers offered more mundane explanations.
Many suggested Harrison may have been distracted by chatter in his earpiece from producers or colleagues, which caused him to lose his train of thought.
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“Looks like someone might have been talking to him in his earpiece at the same time Tony asked the question,” one fan noted.
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“I think he was listening to his headset and may have gotten some bad news,” said another.
The Spotlight Shifts to Alex Singleton’s Return
While Harrison’s on-air moment grabbed headlines, the NFL world’s attention quickly moved back to Alex Singleton, the linebacker making a remarkable comeback from emergency surgery.
Just three weeks ago, Singleton, 31, underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from one of his testicles — hours after playing in a Thursday Night Football victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on November 10.
He missed his team’s subsequent game against the Kansas City Chiefs on November 16, but reports now confirm that Singleton is expected to play on Sunday night against the Commanders.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed the news, calling Singleton’s recovery and return “remarkable,” highlighting the linebacker’s resilience and determination.
What Fans Can Expect Next
As Sunday night approaches, the focus will shift from Harrison’s brief on-air struggle to the excitement surrounding Singleton’s return.
While fans continue to wish Harrison well, the NFL community is gearing up for a thrilling matchup and an inspiring story of recovery, proving once again that the league can deliver both drama and hope, on and off the field.
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