Cris Collinsworth faces backlash for Isaiah Likely-Kelce comparison

Cris Collinsworth's commentary on Isaiah Likely during NBC's broadcast drew sharp criticism from NFL fans on September 14, 2026. While praising Likely's play, Collinsworth compared him to Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, which did not resonate well with a segment of viewers. Many expressed frustration over what they perceived as overused references to Kelce regardless of the teams playing. The situation escalated when fans called for Collinsworth to refrain from this type of commentary, reflecting a broader discontent with established players dominating discussions in NFL broadcasts. This sparked further dialogue among commentators, including Ryan Clark, who previously assessed Likely's potential. Likely finished the game with eight catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns, while Clark reiterated his earlier take on Likely.

• 6:28 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Disgusting,’ ‘Unbearable’ — NFL Fans Turn on Cris Collinsworth for Daring to Compare Isaiah Likely to Travis Kelce