NFL Alternate Broadcast: NBC Sports to Debut Madden-themed Broadcast
First foray into alternate broadcasts
NBC Sports is making its first foray into doing an NFL alternate broadcast on Saturday, when it puts the matchup between the Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs into the realm of the Madden video game universe. The Madden altcast will be streamed on Peacock with the main broadcast airing on NBC, beginning at 1 p.m. EST.
A New Approach
This is the first time NBC has done an alternate broadcast of an NFL game. CBS has done at least one game on Nickelodeon since the 2020 season, while ESPN/ABC have the “ManningCast” as well as animated presentations featuring “The Simpsons” and “Toy Story.” Amazon Prime Video also has “Prime Vision with Next Gen Stats” during “Thursday Night Football.”
The Madden Altcast
The altcast on Peacock will blend video game elements – such as Madden 25 graphics, route trees, player cards, button icons on eligible receivers, and player ratings – with live action. GenuisIQ will provide real-time data via the league’s Next Gen Stats. There will also be times when animations from the video game – such as touchdown celebrations – will be used instead of live action.
The Commentary Team
Paul Burmeister will handle the play-by-play with Madden NFL expert Kurt Benkert and six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Ochocinco providing commentary. Ochocinco will serve as a real-time player “ratings adjuster.” Henry Leverette, who won the Ultimate Madden Bowl championship ring in February, will also be part of the broadcast.
What to Expect
Burmeister noted earlier this week that there will be more hard-core football schematic chess match talk on the altcast compared to what might happen on a traditional football broadcast. “I’m really excited to toe that line and weave this in to show how much parallel the game has to the real game itself,” Benkert said. “I think will resonate really well with the younger audience and with people that are used to seeing it in the video game that way.”
Technical Details
While the Madden video game is known for the high camera view above the quarterback, that will be used only for replays or to show formations before plays. The traditional sideline camera will be used the most since that better shows route trees and other features most associated with the game.
Personal Connection
The Madden altcast also takes on personal meaning for NBC Sports Executive Producer of NFL Fred Gaudelli, who was Madden’s producer during the final seven years of his broadcast career. Madden joined ABC’s “Monday Night Football” in 2002 before Madden and Gaudelli moved to NBC for the start of “Sunday Night Football” in 2006.
Conclusion
The Madden altcast is an innovative approach to broadcasting NFL games, blending video game elements with live action. With a commentary team comprised of Madden experts and NFL veterans, this broadcast promises to be an exciting and unique viewing experience.
FAQs
Q: What is the Madden altcast?
A: The Madden altcast is a new approach to broadcasting NFL games, blending video game elements with live action.
Q: When will the Madden altcast be streamed?
A: The Madden altcast will be streamed on Peacock with the main broadcast airing on NBC, beginning at 1 p.m. EST.
Q: Who will be providing commentary for the Madden altcast?
A: The commentary team will consist of Paul Burmeister, Kurt Benkert, Chad Ochocinco, and Henry Leverette.
Q: Will the Madden altcast feature animations from the video game?
A: Yes, the Madden altcast will feature animations from the video game, such as touchdown celebrations, instead of live action.
Q: Why is this broadcast significant?
A: This broadcast is significant because it marks NBC Sports’ first foray into alternate broadcasts and showcases a new approach to broadcasting NFL games.
