Cris Collinsworth Roasted Online After Over-the-Top Patrick Mahomes Praise vs. Giants

NBC color commentator Cris Collinsworth found himself at the center of social media chatter following his assessment of a controversial Patrick Mahomes play during Week 3’s “Sunday Night Football” game between the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants. Collinsworth’s commentary on Mahomes’ fumble recovery sparked mixed reactions from NFL fans, with some accusing the veteran announcer of showing favoritism toward the Chiefs’ star quarterback.

The Play in Question

The incident occurred late in the second quarter of the game, which was tied 6-6 at the time. Mahomes attempted a backward pass toward running back Isiah Pacheco, but the ball hit the ground in front of Pacheco. Giants defenders Dane Belton and Bobby Okereke quickly converged on the loose ball, with Okereke appearing ready to scoop it up and run it in for a touchdown. However, Mahomes made a heads-up play, sprinting toward Okereke and ripping the ball away from the linebacker to prevent the turnover.

Collinsworth’s Commentary

Collinsworth wasted no time praising Mahomes for his effort on the play, calling it “a turnover created by Patrick Mahomes.” He elaborated, saying:

“I can’t tell you how good a play that is. So many quarterbacks would have done nothing here. He knew better than anybody this was a backward pass. And all of a sudden, that this is understood immediately and he stole it. Not only did he save the touchdown, but he also got the ball back.”

Collinsworth’s emphasis on Mahomes’ recovery effort was not lost on NFL fans, who noted that the quarterback’s initial decision to throw the backward pass was the root cause of the fumble. While Collinsworth acknowledged the critical nature of Mahomes’ recovery in preserving the tie, his comparatively light criticism of the quarterback’s decision-making drew backlash.

Social Media Reactions

NFL fans took to social media to express their frustration with Collinsworth’s perceived favoritism toward Mahomes. Many argued that the commentator glossed over the mistake that led to the fumble while excessively praising the quarterback for his recovery effort. Some fans even shared memes poking fun at Collinsworth’s commentary, with many joking that he would find a way to praise Mahomes for virtually anything.

One fan tweeted, “Mahomes throws the ball backward, fumbles, and Collinsworth calls it the greatest play ever. Classic Cris.” Another added, “Collinsworth could see Mahomes trip over his own shoelaces and still call it a genius move.”

A Temporary Reprieve for Fans

NFL fans irritated by Collinsworth’s commentary will get a brief reprieve, as the Chiefs are not scheduled to play on NBC for the next two weeks. However, Collinsworth will return to the broadcast booth alongside Mike Tirico for the Chiefs’ Week 6 matchup against the Detroit Lions, another highly anticipated “Sunday Night Football” clash.

A Polarizing Presence in the Booth

Cris Collinsworth has long been a polarizing figure among NFL fans, with some appreciating his insight and enthusiasm while others criticize him for perceived biases or over-the-top praise for certain players. The Week 3 incident is just the latest example of Collinsworth’s commentary sparking debate among viewers.

As the Chiefs continue their season, Mahomes will undoubtedly remain a focal point of discussion, and Collinsworth’s commentary will likely continue to draw attention—whether it’s praise, critique, or memes. For now, fans will have to wait and see how the veteran announcer handles his next opportunity to call a Chiefs game.