Is there anything Kevin Harlan can’t do?
The CBS play-by-play broadcaster extraordinaire was calling the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings on Sunday when the network cut into the broadcast with an in-studio update.
“And let’s take you to Nate Burleson in New York,” said Harlan as the CBS coverage minimized 49ers-Vikings to show a highlight from the New York Jets-Tennessee Titans game.
“I can’t hear anything,” Burleson can be heard saying as the clip begins.
“I can. I can hear ya,” responds Harlan, who then jumps into action and immediately gets up to speed. The clip in question shows Titans’ wide receiver Calvin Ridley making an incredible catch on a Will Levis pass to tie the game at 17 apiece. While a little behind the action and unclear about who has possession, you can hear Harlan figure it all out in real-time.
“Here we go…Rodgers against Tennessee and they’re going deep… and it was caught up… the Titans. Ridley with a touchdown reception. The former Jacksonville Jaguar. Will Levis with the long throw for Tennessee.
“Back to Minneapolis. Alright, Nate, thank you,” Harlan cheekily signed off and threw the broadcast back to…himself.
Broadcasting partner Trent Green was incredibly impressed and brought up the time Harlan called two NFL game finishes simultaneously as proof that the broadcaster is capable of anything.
“So Kevin, you have called two games at one time. And now you’ve called a studio and a game at the same time,” said Green. “You never cease to amaze me. Incredible.”
A few minutes later, Burleson was back with an in-studio update, and this time he could hear Harlan. The CBS NFL analyst took a moment to share his appreciation for how the announcer stepped up before smoothly transitioning into the highlight.
“What’s up, Kev, I’m locked in. Hey, I appreciate you earlier. You know, when one person drops the ball, another one picks it up,” said Burleson. “Speaking of, you’ve got Derrick Henry. He’s gonna pick it up right here and take it in…”
A good recovery by Burleson and yet another reminder that few pros can do it quite like Kevin Harlan.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.