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Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Dungy confirmed the "disappointing news" that he won't be returning to NBC Sports' Sunday Night Football pregame show Football Night in America for the 2026 NFL season after 17 years contributing to the broadcast.
"I have been informed by NBC that I won’t be back with FNIA this fall and it has given me time to reflect and also to look ahead," Dungy wrote on his X account Thursday (March 12). "It’s disappointing news but I want to thank my NBC family for making the last 17 years so special. I’ll have lasting memories of my time there, especially with Rodney Harrison who has become a tremendous friend. God has always directed me in these moments and while I’m not sure what the next step will be for me—whether it will be in football, in broadcasting, or getting more involved in church and community outreach —I know God has plans for my life and I can’t wait see them unfold. And I am reminded of one of my favorite verses in the Bible-Romans 8:28. 'God works all things for His good for those who love the Lord.'
Dungy's departure from Football Night in America was reported by the Athletic last month amid plans to revamp the program amid several contracts expiring after Super Bowl LX. The 70-year-old played defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers (1977-1978) and San Francisco 49ers (1979) for three seasons before embarking on a legendary coaching career which included six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996-2001) and seven with the Indianapolis Colts (2002-2008), which included winning Super Bowl XIII and a career record of 139-69 in 13 seasons.