Mike Tirico is set to achieve a remarkable broadcasting milestone this February, hosting both the Super Bowl and the Olympics in the same year. On Sunday, Tirico will call his inaugural Super Bowl, immediately transitioning to his role as NBC”s primetime host for Olympic coverage after the Seattle-New England game. This historic feat makes him the first broadcaster to handle both events within the same calendar year.
Throughout his illustrious career, Tirico has experienced numerous firsts, but this February stands out as particularly extraordinary. He expressed his excitement, stating, “Nothing can match this winter. You don”t even think about dreaming of doing something like this because it”s stupid to think that this is reality. But I”m so excited for it and very blessed to be a part of it.”
Tirico”s unique February journey commenced with his call of a Los Angeles Lakers-New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, marking the return of NBA coverage to NBC for the first time since 2022. This year represents the third occasion NBC has hosted both the Winter Games and the Super Bowl, but only the second time both events coincide on the same Sunday. In 2018, for instance, the Super Bowl took place just five days before the opening ceremony of the PyeongChang Games, where Tirico contributed remotely from South Korea.
Previously, he served as the pregame host for the Super Bowl in 2022 and transitioned to an Olympic primetime show immediately following the presentation of the Vince Lombardi Trophy. His ability to juggle multiple major events is something that impresses his peers. Cris Collinsworth, who will provide analysis for his sixth Super Bowl, remarked, “For him to have this moment in time where he”s going to do the Super Bowl, he”s going to be the lead voice in the Olympics, he”s going to be the lead voice in the NBA — I can barely keep these two teams straight in my mind. How he keeps all of that inside that computer brain of his, I have no idea, but there”s nobody like him.”
As he prepares for this historic Super Bowl, Tirico acknowledges the significance of the moment, noting that this game will mark his 290th NFL match, excluding preseason games. “I think if you call one (NFL game), you hope that this is one that you get to call eventually, and that opportunity is not lost on me. I”m extraordinarily grateful to all the people who”ve helped me get to this point,” he said. He emphasized the importance of appreciating such milestones and ensuring that the memories last.
Despite the pressure, Tirico maintains his usual preparation routine. Following the NFC championship game, he promptly began organizing his game charts and analyzing backup quarterbacks. He is ready to cover various storylines for the upcoming game, including the impressive turnaround of the Patriots under coach Mike Vrabel and quarterback Sam Darnold”s journey to the Super Bowl after signing with Seattle.
Producer Rob Hyland expressed confidence in Tirico”s storytelling capabilities, asserting that he is “the best storyteller in live television.” Hyland recalled a moment when Tirico vividly portrayed the story of Baltimore rookie kicker Tyler Loop during a crucial regular-season kick without any video footage, highlighting his exceptional storytelling skills.
Following the conclusion of the Super Bowl, Tirico will swiftly transition to Olympic coverage, flying to Italy with NBC personnel. He is expected to begin reporting from Milan shortly after the completion of the Super Bowl broadcast. This will mark Tirico”s fifth time serving as primetime host for the Olympics and his third time covering the Winter Games. His prior experience with major events like the FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships has shaped his approach to the fast-paced 16 days of the Olympics.
“Usually when I get to Olympics or World Cups, I”ve found myself on a really good schedule, getting your daily routine dialed in and just maintaining that because I think it maintains your sanity,” he explained. “Your sleep isn”t too long, but it”s quality sleep, you get a workout, and you get good meals, and you find the comforts that you need, and you make your way through it.”
