Now here's a guy who retired the slide.
NBC "Thursday Night Football" analyst Cris Collinsworth has gained more than a modicum of fame for his catchphrases and analysis during games, but in recent years, his signature "slide" into the frame while Al Michaels previews the game has become another signature.
Now, with Michaels gone, it looks like Collinsworth has retired the slide.
The season-opening Rams-Bills matchup began with new play-by-play man Mike Tirico and Collinsworth both in the frame, surely signaling the end of an era on "Thursday Night Football."
No Collinsworth slide tonight.
— Sporting News NFL (@sn_nfl) September 9, 2022
End of an era. pic.twitter.com/DweBxpchju
No more Collinsworth slide… that’s the right choice. New era
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) September 9, 2022
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On the following Sunday, with Collinsworth and Tirico back on the call in their typical "Sunday Night Football" slot, Collinsworth once again did not slide into frame, with both broadcasters in the box at the same time.
Tonight’s slide-in rating: NR
— Collinsworth Slide-in Rater (@SNFslideinrater) September 12, 2022
It appears this is the end of the road. A source of joy for so many of us for so long is now gone. We’re still holding onto a sliver of hope that he’ll bring it back if the people’s voice is heard. #letcrisslide #SNF #NFL 🙏 pic.twitter.com/vnJYX60XZ3
On Sept. 20, Collinsworth explained why the "slide" is no more, and it has to do with his new broadcast partner:
Mike Tirico doesn't do the opening monologue, so what am I gonna do? It's like, I'm sittin' there. I could lean out — but then it'd be like, stupid. So what do you do? Do you do it just for effect? Do you do it for — I don't know, I don't know what I'm gonna do. Maybe I'll leave that way.
It's not the first time that Collinsworth has forgone the slide, though: During the NFL's Hall of Fame game, Collinsworth was also in the frame with Tirico, maybe a foreshadowing note of things to come.
Tonight’s slide-in rating: NR
— Collinsworth Slide-in Rater (@SNFslideinrater) August 5, 2022
No slide tonight and thus no rating. As a true gentleman, Cris obviously doesn’t want to steal the thunder of those getting inducted into the HoF this weekend. It’s preseason in the booth too! #snf #NFL #preseason pic.twitter.com/nZAYspMZ1n
The slide is dead. Long live the slide.
