NFL broadcaster makes sly government shutdown joke

Cris Collinsworth, a former Cincinnati Bengals star and NBC broadcaster, made a joke about the government shutdown during the Seattle Seahawks’ monstrous 38-14 win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday night.

As the game changed from the third to the fourth quarter, the NBC broadcast showed the U.S. Capitol.

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Chris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico on the field before announcing a game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on Oct. 5, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)

“There’s a calm place,” Collinsworth said, which generated a chuckle out of play-by-play man Mike Tirico.

The government shutdown is set to enter its sixth week. President Donald Trump said in an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes” he believed Democrats will eventually give in to Republicans’ demands as the two sides have not been at the negotiating table at all.

“I think they have to,” Trump said. “And if they don’t vote, it’s their problem.”

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Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Meanwhile, the Seahawks were beating up the Commanders behind a fiery start from Sam Darnold. The veteran quarterback completed his first 17 passes and didn’t throw an incompletion until his first drive of the third quarter.

Darnold had four touchdown passes in the first half – two to Tory Horton and one each to Cody White and Elijah Arroyo. Seattle scored 28 points before the halftime whistle.

Darnold was 21-of-24 with 330 passing yards. He did have a second-half interception.

Seahawks tight end A.J. Barner had a rushing touchdown in the game as Jaxson Smith-Njiba led Seattle with eight catches for 129 yards.

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) kicks his leg in the air as he celebrates his touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

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Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels left the game early when he suffered a gruesome arm injury. He was 16-of-22 with 153 passing yards and an interception. He had a rushing touchdown, as did running back Chris Rodriguez.

Seattle moved to 5-2 on the year. Washington fell to 3-5.

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