Football Night in America

Football is the most popular spectator sport in America, and each Sunday during the fall, millions of people sit down to watch their favorite teams battle with their rivals. The sport is beloved by a very diverse cross-section of people, and it is able to bring individuals together who might not otherwise have much in common. Because the sport is so popular, there are hours and hours of television programing devoted to it each week on the major networks, as well as on cable. However, the one show that nearly every football fan watches with regularity each week is NBC's Football Night in America.

Football Night in America airs every Sunday shortly after the conclusions of the late afternoon games played that day, and before the beginning of the weekly Sunday night matchup, which is also carried by NBC. The show presents highlights of the day's action in a rapid fire manner that makes the program seem like it is always moving. Additionally, the program features in-depth interviews with notable players, coaches and other individuals associated with the NFL and its teams. Also, it features discussions and debates about the numerous topics which arise each week during the NFL season.

The show has become very popular largely for the content that it provides, but also because of its incredible time slot just before the Sunday night game. However, the talents of host Dan Patrick and his colleague Bob Costas should not be ignored. They bring a true love of sports, as well as a professional nature to the program. Also, former player and Super Bowl champion Rodney Harrison is on hand each week to offer his views on the sport, and he is joined by former coach and player Tony Dungy. The interplay among all of these personalities is generally what keeps fans tuning in week after week.

During the NFL season, it can seem like there is an endless number of programs devoted to recaps and analysis of the sport of football. This can be overkill for some fans, but most followers of the NFL agree that Football Night in America is essential viewing. The show airs at just the right time, and it features some of the best analysis from people who know that game of football well. Thanks to this winning formula, the show will probably precede the weekly Sunday night matchup on NBC for many years to come.