If you don’t know play-by-play announcer Eric Collins by name, there’s a good chance you do know him by reputation.
The voice of the Charlotte Hornets, Collins has established himself as one of the most unique broadcasters working today. He is always excited, and ready to celebrate any great play, no matter how crucial or inconsequential, as if it were the single most impressive thing any athlete has ever achieved.
On Sunday, NFL fans go their second taste of the Eric Collins experience, as he was on the call as the Miami Dolphins hosted the Cincinnati Bengals. It was Collins’s second NFL game ever, having made his debut last year to overwhelmingly positive reviews.
While the game between the Bengals and the lowly Dolphins was expected to be something of a blowout, Collins brought his trademark energy, and provided an absolutely electric soundtrack to several big plays. His best of the day came on a deep touchdown pass to Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
“Burrow. Again. Wants a bunch,” Collins began, teeing himself up for the exclamation point. “AAAAaaaaoooooHhhhhhh! Ja’Marr Chase you’re kiddinggggggg!!!! GOOD GOLLY!”
Charlotte Hornets announcer Eric Collins on the call for this absurd Ja’Marr Chase catch is everything:
https://t.co/fK3R4lUplw
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 11, 2026
The energy that Collins brings might not be for everyone, but there is certainly a market for it, as fans online celebrated having him back in the NFL booth.
One of the best sports announcers to ever do it
—
Zach Lowder
I wanna hear him on every sport lol
— Cal Cabantoy (@Cal_cab_503) October 11, 2026
Eric Collins needs a prime time spot.
— Billy Bixby
(@KingGerrad) October 11, 2026
Unsurprisingly, Collins had his detractors as well. Those that believe he’s “doing too much” in the booth, well, you’re probably right. But for those who are into Collins, especially when calling a fun, but not especially meaningful Week 5 NFL game, it’s hard not to enjoy his energy.
Eric Collins is always bringing the energy
@nflonfox https://t.co/m6mK9mZA6J
— NFL (@NFL) October 11, 2026
There’s no one right way to call a football game, and Collins represents one extreme side of the spectrum that also includes the likes of Gus Johnson among others.
It’s possible that one great thing working in Collins’s favor is his limited exposure to NFL audiences. His calls might start to feel manufactured or simply repetitive if he was a weekly fixture of the league, but as a one-week substitute it’s hard not to love someone taking such a big swing.
The post Eric Collins brought his trademark excitability to Bengals-Dolphins in return to NFL booth appeared first on Awful Announcing.