NFL legend can’t speak on air, sparks widespread concern

Fans have shared their concern online after a former NFL legend had a bizarre moment in the middle of a pre-game broadcast.

NBC Sports analyst Rodney Harrison raised eyebrows when he appeared to lose his train of thought in the pregame show ahead of the “Sunday Night Football” clash between the Brisbane Broncos and the Commanders.

Harrison froze up and paused as NBC analyst Jac Collinsworth asked him about the best way to attack Washington’s defence.

“Yeah, I look at…” Harrison said before he seemingly mumbled something.

“I forgot the ... I’m sorry,” Harrison said before Collinsoworth repeated the question.

“The best way to attack them … I’m sorry. There’s a lot of stuff going on, I’m sorry. They don’t have a lot of discipline on the defensive side of the ball.

“That’s it. I’m sorry, guys.”

Some shared their concern online as footage of the broadcast began to spread across social media.

“Something not right with Rodney Harrison tonight,” one person wrote, including a clip of the moment.

“Someone should check on that man,” another added.

Others questioned if Harrison was just feeling cold at Northwest Stadium in Maryland, where the temperatures were close to zero degrees, or if he was distracted by a producer speaking in his earpiece.

Awful Announcing reported concern over Harrison’s on-air freeze-up, and said the analyst is fine and went on to appear in the postgame show.

Never miss the latest sports news from Australia and around the world — download the news.com.au app direct to your phone.

Rodney Harrison looks on prior to the game between the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 16. Picture: Getty

The Broncos wound up beating the Commanders, 27-26, in an overtime thriller, to extend their win streak to nine games.

Washington played without quarterback Jayden Daniels, who’s out with a dislocated elbow injury, and backup Marcus Mariota threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.

Harrison, a former two-time Super Bowl champion safety, played 15 seasons with the San Diego Chargers and the New England Patriots.

He made two Pro Bowls and earned two All-Pro first-team selections.

Harrison joined NBC after retiring from the NFL in 2009.

This story first appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission.

Originally published as NFL legend can’t speak on air, sparks widespread concern