NBC announcer Cris Collinsworth has praised Lamar Jackson during Sunday Night Football – but some NFL fans think he went too far.
The veteran sportscaster, 64, was jokingly accused of making “strange noises” as he got excited by a vintage performance from the Baltimore Ravens quarterback.
Cris Collinsworth has been accused of having a ‘Lamargasm’ during Sunday Night FootballCredit: NBC Sports
The NBC announcer heaped praise Ravens star quarterback Lamar JacksonCredit: Reuters
But some NFL fans felt the veteran announcer had gone too farCredit: Getty
Collinsworth was on NBC color commentary duties alongside Mike Tirico for the Ravens showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Jackson failed to get much going through the air as the Ravens ground their way to a 23-7 victory.
But he took 12 carries for 97 yards as the Ravens became the first team in the AFC to book their playoff berth.
Collinsworth liked what he saw from the 2019 NFL Most Valuable Player, heaping praise on the 26-year-old and even dubbing him “LeBron James.”
During the third quarter, Jackson spun out of relentless pressure and completed an unlikely downfield pass to tight end Isiah Likely.
Collinsworth shrieked: “Oh my God! Would you just take a look at this play..stop it!”
Another wrote: “Lamar Jackson has Cris Collinsworth making all kinds of strange noises.”
While a third joked: “Chris [sic] Collinsworth has fallen in love with Lamar Jackson tonight.”
And a fourth said: “Hello, my name is Cris Collinsworth and I am the head of the Lamar Jackson fan club.”
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes defended Collinsworth, writing: “I like how much delight Cris Collinsworth takes in watching Lamar Jackson play football. Dude has called a million games and you can tell he truly enjoys seeing stuff he’s never seen before.”
Despite their victory, the Ravens were dealt a blow as they lost rookie running back Keaton Mitchell to a season-ending knee injury.
The 21-year-old was carted off in the fourth quarter following a stomach-turning play.
Speaking to reporters following the game, Jackson said: “He’s lights out. He was starting to get started. So that’s tough to see.”
Ravens coach John Harbaugh added: “It looks like [Mitchell] won’t be back for the rest of this season.
“It’s heartbreaking. He’s just got a great attitude and demeanor about him, and it’s a guy that he wants to do well. He deserves to do well.”
The Ravens (11-3) are next in action on Christmas Day as they take on the San Francisco 49ers (11-3).
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