Luke Kuechly receives rave reviews for Netflix's NFL Australia broadcast: 'Natural in the booth' image
Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Netflix's decision to expand its sports portfolio means the streaming service needs a full-time NFL broadcasting team. It turns out, Netflix may have hit gold.
The streaming service had Noah Eagle return for a third year, as the current NBC broadcaster continues his rise in the industry. Eagle's success is no surprise as he is considered one of the best young broadcasters in sports.
However, the biggest breakout of the night was Luke Kuechly, the former Carolina Panthers linebacker who entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the Summer. Kuechly made his Netflix debut in the 49ers-Rams game, but was instantly a natural despite very limited experience in the booth.
Viewers noted Kuechly's success in particular, as the 35-year-old could be a future star in sports broadcasting. Here's a look at how fans reacted to Kuechly's analysis.
49ers-Rams Netflix reviews
Overall, Netflix's NFL broadcast from Australia was a success, as fans seemed to enjoy Noah Eagle and Luke Kuechly's announcing. Kuechly was the story, though, as he had never broadcast a game on national television before this one.
However, fans didn't seem to notice much, as Kuechly received praise throughout the night,
Kuechly was an extremely popular player with the Panthers and one of the best linebackers in the NFL during his career. That kind of success doesn't always translate to broadcast success, but it seems to have in Kuechly's case.
Kuechly has some experience calling games for the Panthers radio station, and he called a few alternate broadcasts for ESPN's "Monday Night Football" last year. However, this was a significant step up as he became Netflix's No. 1 color commentator.
The Hall of Famer will likely call three more games for Netflix this year: Rams vs. Packers on Thanksgiving Eve, one of the streaming service's doubleheader games on Christmas, and a TBD game in Week 18.
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