The NFL couldn’t help itself — politics once again found its way onto the football field.
During NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast of the Seattle Seahawks’ crushing 38-14 win over the Washington Commanders, former Bengals star-turned-broadcaster Cris Collinsworth made a sarcastic remark about the ongoing government shutdown — a line that drew chuckles from his colleague Mike Tirico, but left many viewers shaking their heads.
As the camera cut to a shot of the U.S. Capitol between quarters, Collinsworth quipped, “There’s a calm place.”
The comment immediately sparked backlash online, with fans accusing NBC of turning America’s favorite sport into a political sideshow.
Meanwhile, the shutdown has dragged into its sixth week, with President Donald Trump standing firm that Democrats must return to the table and put America first.
“I think they have to,” President Trump told CBS’ 60 Minutes. “And if they don’t, that’s their problem.”
Trump Holds the Line as Media Jabs Continue
As usual, mainstream media voices used the NFL stage to take shots at the President instead of focusing on the game. For many conservatives, it’s just another example of liberal bias creeping into every corner of entertainment — from late-night TV to sports broadcasts.
But while NBC joked, the Seahawks were all business. Quarterback Sam Darnold delivered one of his best performances of the season, completing his first 17 passes and throwing four touchdowns before halftime — two to Tory Horton, and one each to Cody White and Elijah Arroyo.
By the end of the night, Darnold was nearly flawless: 21-of-24 passing for 330 yards with a single interception. Tight end A.J. Barner added a rushing touchdown, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba led all receivers with eight catches for 129 yards.
On the other side, Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels left early with a gruesome arm injury after going 16-of-22 for 153 yards, one interception, and a rushing touchdown.
Seattle Soars — Washington Falls
The win moves Seattle to 5-2, while Washington drops to 3-5 in what’s shaping up to be another tough season.
But for many viewers, the biggest takeaway wasn’t the scoreboard — it was NBC’s decision to slip politics into the broadcast yet again.
Americans just want to enjoy football without the lectures.
