NBC “Thursday Night Football” analyst Cris Collinsworth has gained more than a modicum of fame for his catchphrases and analysis during games, but in recent years, his signature “slide” into the frame while Al Michaels previews the game has become another signature.
Now, with Michaels gone, it looks like Collinsworth has retired the slide.
The season-opening Rams-Bills matchup began with new play-by-play man Mike Tirico and Collinsworth both in the frame, surely signaling the end of an era on “Thursday Night Football.”
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On the following Sunday, with Collinsworth and Tirico back on the call in their typical “Sunday Night Football” slot, Collinsworth once again did not slide into frame, with both broadcasters in the box at the same time.
On Sept. 20, Collinsworth explained why the “slide” is no more, and it has to do with his new broadcast partner:
It’s not the first time that Collinsworth has forgone the slide, though: During the NFL’s Hall of Fame game, Collinsworth was also in the frame with Tirico, maybe a foreshadowing note of things to come.
The slide is dead. Long live the slide.
