For a seasoned analyst making $12.5 million annually, Cris Collinsworth sure knows how to rile up NFL fans. The Sunday Night Football commentator faced a barrage of criticism during the Cowboys–49ers matchup, with one fan’s wife perfectly capturing the evening’s irony: “Is this announcer a pro-Cowboys guy?”

The October 27 clash between these age-old rivals turned into a commentary controversy as Collinsworth’s analysis of Dallas’s struggling defense sparked outrage. His praise seemed disconnected from reality – the Cowboys entered Week 8 with the NFL’s 31st-ranked scoring defense under new coordinator Mike Zimmer.

The disconnect became glaringly obvious during key moments of the prime-time battle. While the 49ers took an early 3-0 lead through Anders Carlson’s 50-yard field goal, Collinsworth’s focus remained fixed on Dallas’s defensive prowess. This came despite the Cowboys missing four of their top defensive ends from training camp – Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence, Sam Williams, and Marshawn Kneeland.

The narrative grew more puzzling after halftime. The 49ers, already dealing with their injury crisis – Brandon Aiyuk out for the season with a knee injury and Deebo Samuel hospitalized with pneumonia – grabbed a 13-10 lead. Isaac Guerendo’s 4-yard touchdown run, set up by George Kittle’s spectacular 43-yard reception, shifted momentum. Yet, Collinsworth’s commentary continued to center on Dallas’s defensive challenges.

These moments highlighted a broader pattern in Collinsworth’s broadcasting style. Just two weeks earlier, during Cincinnati’s 17-7 win over New York, he drew similar criticism for praising Brian Burns’ “tremendous” sack that sent Joe Burrow to the medical tent for evaluation.

The voice of Sunday Night Football

NBC’s commitment to Collinsworth runs deep. Sources briefed on recent discussions told The Athletic that the network plans to extend his contract through the 2029-2030 season. This deal, reportedly worth around $12.5 million annually, positions him to call two more Super Bowls.

Meanwhile, social media erupted with fan reactions throughout the Cowboys-49ers broadcast. “Cris Collinsworth is on some next level glazing. That was their 3rd drive and first score. Calm down,” one viewer posted. Another fan cut straight to the point: “Cris Collinsworth called the Dallas defense good when in reality, the 49ers offense is just shit”

The network’s stance appears firm despite viewer pushback. After Drew Brees’s brief stint as a potential successor ended following one disappointing season, NBC doubled down on Collinsworth. His new contract, while substantial, still costs less than Fox’s $37.5 million commitment to Tom Brady or CBS’s $18 million investment in Tony Romo.

Even Greg Olsen, Fox’s highly regarded No. 2 analyst who previously earned $10 million as their lead commentator, now makes just $3 million in his reduced role. This market reality, combined with NBC’s trust in Collinsworth’s experience, suggests that love him or hate him, his voice will remain a Sunday night fixture for years to come.