Clay Matthews talks Rams-49ers Netflix broadcast ahead of Australia game
Former NFL linebacker Clay Matthews talks about calling the Rams vs. 49ers game in Australia for Netflix, his broadcasting role and what fans can expect from the matchup.
- Former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin made his regular-season debut as an analyst for NBC’s “Football Night in America.”
- Host Maria Taylor jokingly corrected Tomlin after he mistakenly referred to Jaxon Smith-Njigba by the wrong initials.
- The on-air chemistry between Tomlin and Taylor was evident throughout the pregame show.
Mike Tomlin was off by a letter, and Maria Taylor let him know.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, making his regular-season television debut as an analyst on NBC’s “Football Night in America” ahead of the New England Patriots-Seattle Seahawks Week 1 tilt, mistakenly referred to Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba as “JNS” on multiple occasions. The 2025 Offensive Player of the Year is often referred to by his initials, “JSN.”
“I’m not going to let you do it again,” Taylor, the host, joked.
Tomlin appeared to genuinely appreciate that, laughed off his mistake and Taylor’s good-natured correction and continued his analysis of the Seahawks.
That type of interaction perfectly captured Tomlin’s official debut, following his appearance Aug. 6 on the show prior to the Hall of Fame Game. But much like the NFL preseason, those reps there are inconsequential when it comes to what viewers will remember.
Tomlin’s familiarity with the league will pay dividends as he starts his broadcasting career. For example, while discussing Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, he referenced his emotions while game planning prior to the Steelers’ Week 3 matchup against New England last season.
The technical aspects of broadcasting is something Tomlin is still learning. He doesn’t quite yet always know to keep the microphone near his mouth, and he opened the show by appearing to not know which camera to look at.
Taylor immediately went to Tomlin, though, like a team targeting its new star wide receiver on the first possession of a new season.
Tomlin and Taylor also displayed solid chemistry following a segment about the Seahawks’ shadowboxing circuit in the locker room, with Tomlin down to clown about the literal jabs thrown his way.
There were the classic “Tomlinisms” that made him an entertaining watch during news conferences.
While comparing the NFC West to the television show “Game of Thrones,” Tomlin said: “The Seahawks are the House of Stark.” As he waxed poetic about “JNS” – er, “JSN” – Tomlin did not waste any description.
“He’s running water,” Tomlin said. “He’s in and out of breaks with great fluidity. He is just a football player in every way, and it comes out of him like breathing.”
Mike Tomlin-John Harbaugh interview
The network teased Tomlin’s conversation with New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh, who was Tomlin’s adversary in the AFC North while leading the Baltimore Ravens for 18 years. The talk will air before the Giants host the Dallas Cowboys on “Sunday Night Football” Sept. 13.
NBC’s producers deserve credit for leaning into the coach’s public-speaking gift by creating the “Tomlin’s Theme of the Game” segment, a chance for Tomlin to talk like a head coach addressing his team. NBC also did well by helping Tomlin with some high-profile reps, such as his appearance at the network’s advertising Upfront in May and going on Jimmy Fallon’s late-night show to preview the season.
Tomlin isn’t the only new aspect of the show in 2026. “FNIA,” which airs before “Sunday Night Football” and other primetime NBC games, will be on the road for all of its games this season.