Great NFL games deserve great voices. A close finish feels even bigger when the right announcer is behind the microphone. The best broadcasters do much more than describe the action. They explain what is happening, call out crazy scenes before they unfold and make every game easier to follow.
Some announcers bring years of experience from the booth. Others offer the view of former players who understand every detail on the field. Together, they help fans enjoy the game in new ways. Basically, a strong broadcast team can turn an ordinary game into a memorable one.
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Today’s NFL coverage is filled with talented play-by-play voices and color analysts across ESPN/ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, NFL Network, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Some have called Super Bowls for decades, while others have quickly become trusted names in the sport. Each brings a different style, but all know how to keep fans engaged from kickoff to the final minute.
Here are the 11 best current NFL announcers.
11. Tom Brady (Fox)
Five-time Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady attends Super Bowl LX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Current role: Lead NFL analyst
Tom Brady entered broadcasting with high expectations after signing a reported 10-year, $375 million contract with FOX. His first season drew mixed reviews, but he became more comfortable as the year went on.
Brady’s biggest strength is explaining quarterback play. He also does a great job of showing how defenses try to fool offenses before the snap and why certain plays succeed or fail. His experience as a seven-time Super Bowl champion gives him a unique perspective.
Now, Brady works as Fox’s top analyst alongside play-by-play man Kevin Burkhardt. As he gains more experience in the booth, he continues to improve.
10. Kirk Herbstreit (Amazon Prime Video)
ESPN “College GameDay” analyst Kirk Herbstreit speaks to fans before the College Football Playoff National Championship Game between Indiana and Miami. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Current role: “Thursday Night Football” analyst
Kirk Herbstreit made his name as a college football analyst, but he has adapted himself fast to covering the NFL. He has become an important part of Amazon’s “Thursday Night Football” broadcasts with Al Michaels.
Herbstreit comes well-prepared every week. He explains offensive and defensive strategies in a way that is easy to understand, making the game enjoyable for both casual fans and longtime viewers.
9. Kevin Burkhardt (Fox)
Fox News playoff baseball commentator Kevin Burkhardt before the game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers during game five of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Citi Field. Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Current role: Lead play-by-play announcer
Kevin Burkhardt became FOX’s top play-by-play announcer after Joe Buck left the network for ESPN. Since then, Burkhardt has handled many of the NFL’s biggest games.
His style is simple and steady. He clearly describes the action without trying too hard to create excitement. He also works well with his broadcast partners and pays attention to the important details. His strong performances have earned him NFC Championship Games and Super Bowl assignments.
8. Mike Tirico (NBC)
NBC Sports broadcaster Mike Tirico speaks during the U.S. Olympic Trials. | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
Current role: “Sunday Night Football” play-by-play announcer
Mike Tirico took over NBC’s top NFL role after Al Michaels left and has handled it with ease. He has years of experience covering football, golf, the Olympics and many other major sporting events.
Tirico speaks clearly, stays calm during big moments and keeps the broadcast moving at the right pace. NBC’s decision to have him call Super Bowl LX shows how much confidence the network has in him.
7. Ian Eagle (CBS)
Broadcaster Ian Eagle before a college basketball game between the Houston Cougars and the Texas Longhorns. | Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
Current role: Play-by-play announcer
Ian Eagle is one of the most reliable announcers. He brings energy to every game without overdoing it.
His play calls are clear, and he knows when to add a little humor without distracting from the action. Whether he is covering the NFL, NBA or March Madness, Eagle consistently delivers a great broadcast.
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6. Joe Buck (ESPN/ABC)
“Monday Night Football” commentator Joe Buck before a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Current role: “Monday Night Football” play-by-play
Joe Buck has been one of football’s most recognizable voices for many years. After calling several Super Bowls for Fox, he moved to ESPN to lead “Monday Night Football.”
Some fans once thought Buck was too quiet during big moments, but he has become more expressive while keeping his smooth style. His long partnership with Troy Aikman remains one of the strongest in sports broadcasting.
Buck has called more than 1,100 national broadcasts across multiple sports, including six Super Bowls.
5. Cris Collinsworth (NBC)
NBC “Sunday Night Football” analyst Cris Collinsworth during a game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Buffalo Bills. | Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
Current role: “Sunday Night Football” analyst
Cris Collinsworth is one of the best analysts at explaining what is happening on the field. He often points out passing routes, blocking assignments and quarterback decisions before the replay even begins.
His preparation shows every week. Collinsworth takes complicated football concepts and explains them in simple language. Alongside Tirico, he helps make “Sunday Night Football” one of the NFL’s top broadcasts.
4. Jim Nantz (CBS)
Broadcaster Jim Nantz introduces players, during the “Night of Champions” at the Murat Theatre at the Old National Centre. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Current role: Lead play-by-play
“Hello, friends.” That famous greeting has become part of NFL broadcasting. Jim Nantz has spent decades calling some of the league’s biggest games.
He has worked more than 540 NFL games, mostly alongside analysts Phil Simms and Tony Romo, while leading CBS coverage of the Masters and the NCAA Tournament. Nantz stays calm in crucial moments and delivers game updates without getting in the way, making him one of the most respected voices in sports.
3. Al Michaels (Amazon Prime Video)
“Thursday Night Football” play-by-play announcer Al Michaels is shown before a game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints. | Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images
Current role: “Thursday Night Football” play-by-play
Al Michaels is one of the greatest football broadcasters ever. Even in his 80s, he continues to call “Thursday Night Football” for Amazon Prime Video.
His career includes 40 straight years of calling NFL prime-time games and 11 Super Bowls. Entering the 2026 season, he had already called a record 779 NFL broadcasts. Although some fans believe he has slowed down, his experience and storytelling still make him one of the best.
2. Kevin Harlan (CBS/Westwood One)
NBA on Prime announcer Kevin Harlan during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Current role: Play-by-play announcer
Kevin Harlan brings excitement to every game he calls. His energy makes even regular-season matchups feel important.
He is known for his memorable calls and works equally well on television and radio, something very few announcers can do. Many fans believe he deserves even more opportunities to call the NFL’s biggest games because of his consistency and passion.
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1. Troy Aikman (ESPN)
NFL commentator Troy Aikman speaks before a game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Current role: “Monday Night Football” analyst
Troy Aikman is widely regarded as the best NFL analyst on television today. The Hall of Fame quarterback gives honest opinions and is not afraid to point out mistakes by players, coaches or officials.
His biggest strength is explaining why a play worked or failed in a way that everyone can understand. He avoids unnecessary catchphrases and focuses on helping viewers learn the game.
His partnership with Joe Buck has become even stronger since moving to ESPN/ABC. Together, they have helped make “Monday Night Football” one of the NFL’s best weekly broadcasts.