Mike Tomlin was off by a letter, and Maria Taylor let him know.
The former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, making his regular-season television debut as an analyst on NBC's "Football Night in America" ahead
of the New England Patriots-Seattle Seahawks Week 1 tilt, mistakenly referred to Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba as "JNS" on multiple occasions. The 2025 Offensive Player of the Year is often referred to by his initials, "JSN."
“I’m not going to let you do it again,” Taylor, the host, joked.
Tomlin genuinely appreciated that, laughed off his mistake and Taylor's good-natured correction and continued his analysis of the Seahawks.
That type of interaction perfectly captured Tomlin's official debut, following his appearance Aug. 6 on the show prior to the Hall of Fame Game. But much like the NFL preseason, those reps there are inconsequential when it comes to what viewers will remember.
Tomlin's familiarity with the league will pay dividends as he starts his broadcasting career. For example, while discussing Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, he referenced his emotions while game planning prior to the Steelers' Week 3 matchup against New England last season.
Tomlin and Taylor also displayed solid chemistry following a segment about the Seahawks' shadowboxing circuit in the locker room, with Tomlin down to clown about the literal jabs thrown his way.
Tomlin isn't the only new aspect of the show in 2026. "FNIA," which airs before "Sunday Night Football" and other primetime NBC games, will be on the road for all of its games this season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mike Tomlin laughs off 'JSN' mistake during NBC regular-season debut
