Eric Collins’ voice dominates NFL Week 5

There were plenty of thrilling moments on the field during NFL Week 5, but it was Eric Collins who stole the show from the broadcast booth.

In his high-energy debut for Fox Sports, Collins called the Carolina Panthers’ stunning 27–24 comeback win over the Miami Dolphins alongside analyst Mark Schlereth — and by the end of the night, fans couldn’t stop talking about him.

A debut filled with adrenaline and authenticity

The game started quietly enough, with the Dolphins jumping out to a 17–0 lead. But as Panthers quarterback Bryce Young began to mount a comeback, Collins’ voice elevated every play into must-hear theater.

ALSO READ : “From Northeastern freshman to Yankees hero… Cam Schlittler stuns Red Sox with historic playoff gem”

His first big moment came when Young connected with rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette for a touchdown in the second quarter. Collins erupted with joy and disbelief, his signature mix of enthusiasm and raw energy making even neutral fans grin.

“Legette’s got it — TOUCHDOWN, CAROLINA! They’re not going anywhere yet!” he shouted, his tone vibrating with excitement.

From there, Collins’ calls only got more animated. Every big run, every tackle, and every fourth-quarter twist felt magnified through his passionate narration.

“Inspired by Gus Johnson” — and fans loved every second

When Tua Tagovailoa threw a clutch touchdown to Jaylen Waddle with just under five minutes left, Collins’ voice reached new heights. The energy felt like a tribute to the legendary Gus Johnson, whose signature excitement has long defined sports broadcasting.

But it was the final play — Bryce Young’s game-winning strike to Mitchell Evans with 1:59 remaining — that immortalized Collins’ debut.

“EVANS! HE GOT IT! MITCHELL EVANS! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? THE PANTHERS TAKE THE LEAD!”

That spontaneous, heartfelt scream instantly went viral on social media. Within minutes, fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with praise.

“Eric Collins just turned a regular Week 5 game into a Super Bowl,” one fan posted.
“This man feels football. Every league needs an Eric Collins,” wrote another.

From NBA hype man to NFL sensation

For years, Eric Collins has been one of the most exciting voices in sports, best known for his work with the Charlotte Hornets. His infectious calls during LaMelo Ball’s breakout games and Miles Bridges’ dunks became viral staples in the NBA world.

But this time, Collins brought that same intensity to the gridiron — and proved that emotion has no sport-specific limits.

Even sports journalists couldn’t resist praising him.
Scott Van Pelt of ESPN wrote:

“Eric Collins just gave us the broadcast moment of the season. That’s how you make people love the game.”

Mark Schlereth: The perfect co-pilot

Alongside Collins, Mark Schlereth, a Super Bowl champion and veteran broadcaster, added calm, analytical contrast. While Collins was the emotional core of the call, Schlereth’s football insight grounded the energy.

At one point, as Collins lost his voice cheering a fourth-quarter run by Rico Dowdle, Schlereth could be heard laughing:

“You might need a throat lozenge after that one, my man.”

The natural chemistry between the two announcers gave the broadcast a playful, authentic rhythm that fans compared to classic duos like Pat Summerall and John Madden.

Why fans can’t stop talking about him

Collins’ authenticity was the secret ingredient. In an era when many commentators aim for measured professionalism, Collins reminded fans what sports are all about — emotion, surprise, and joy.

Eric Collins' hype on Dolphins-Panthers leads NFL Week 5 best broadcasting moments https://t.co/DYsY2UmSsH

— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) October 6, 2025

He doesn’t just describe the play; he feels it. His voice cracked, his volume soared, and his passion was real. Every fan watching could tell he wasn’t performing — he was living the game.

On Reddit, one NFL thread titled “Eric Collins just made football fun again” reached tens of thousands of upvotes overnight.

Even neutral fans — with no attachment to Carolina or Miami — stayed glued to the screen just to hear his next outburst.

Fox may have found its next superstar

As the dust settled, Fox executives reportedly took note of the buzz. Viewership for the Dolphins-Panthers broadcast spiked during the fourth quarter, coinciding with Collins’ most viral calls.

Sports insiders are already predicting that Collins will become one of the network’s featured voices for high-stakes NFL games going forward.

If his debut is any indication, the league — and its fans — are in for a treat.

“He doesn’t just call the game,” one viewer wrote, “he reminds us why we love it.”

If there was an MVP among announcers in NFL Week 5, it wasn’t a quarterback, a coach, or a star receiver — it was Eric Collins.

In his first major NFL assignment of the 2025 season for Fox Sports, Collins delivered a performance so electrifying that fans compared his passion to the legendary Gus Johnson.

Paired with former NFL lineman and color commentator Mark Schlereth, Collins called the Carolina Panthers’ stunning 27–24 comeback victory over the Miami Dolphins like it was a Super Bowl — and the internet absolutely loved it.

ALSO READ : “From Northeastern freshman to Yankees hero… Cam Schlittler stuns Red Sox with historic playoff gem”

---

A game that felt ordinary — until Collins picked up the mic

The matchup between Carolina and Miami didn’t exactly scream “instant classic” on paper. The Panthers came in struggling, while Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins were looking to rebound after a tough loss.

But with Collins on the call, even a second-quarter touchdown became must-watch TV. When rookie quarterback Bryce Young hit Xavier Legette for Carolina’s first score, Collins’ booming voice captured the moment with unfiltered joy and disbelief — a tone fans say perfectly mirrors what football should feel like.

“Legette breaks free… TOUCHDOWN, CAROLINA! The Panthers are alive!” he shouted, his voice cracking with excitement.

That enthusiasm didn’t let up. From Rico Dowdle’s powerful rushes up the middle to Tua Tagovailoa’s perfectly timed touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle, Collins narrated each play as if it were the defining moment of the season.

---

The call that sealed his legend

The game reached peak drama in the final two minutes, with Carolina trailing by four and Bryce Young orchestrating what would become the drive of his young career.

When Young connected with tight end Mitchell Evans for the game-winning touchdown, Collins completely lost himself in the moment — and fans couldn’t get enough.

“EVANS! HE GOT IT! MITCHELL EVANS! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? CAROLINA TAKES THE LEAD!”

Social media erupted within seconds. One fan posted on X:

“Eric Collins just turned a Week 5 Panthers game into the Super Bowl. This man needs to call everything — NFL, NBA, my kid’s birthday party.”

---

From NBA voice to NFL sensation

Before this NFL breakout, Collins was best known as the charismatic voice of the Charlotte Hornets, where his over-the-top enthusiasm became part of basketball culture. His calls of LaMelo Ball’s flashy assists and Miles Bridges’ dunks turned regular-season games into highlight reels.

Now, after his NFL debut, Collins has cemented himself as one of America’s most exciting voices in sports broadcasting.

Even veteran analysts took notice. ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt tweeted:

“Eric Collins just gave us one of the best calls of the year. Pure energy. Pure joy.”

---

Mark Schlereth’s chemistry brings balance

Working alongside Collins, Mark Schlereth played the perfect counterpart. The former Denver Broncos lineman provided sharp, grounded analysis, giving Collins’ wild energy a layer of depth and insight.

At one point, as Collins erupted during a Dolphins touchdown, Schlereth could be heard laughing off-mic — a small but genuine moment that showcased their chemistry. Fans have already started campaigning online for the duo to become Fox’s full-time B-team pairing.

---

Fans and critics agree — this was the best broadcast of Week 5

Across social media, fans flooded NFL discussion boards and sports radio shows, calling Collins’ performance the “highlight of the week.”

“He doesn’t just call plays, he lives them,” one viewer wrote. “You can feel every yard, every catch, every tackle through his voice.”

What We Learned, via @Eric_Edholm: Raiders might have to consider QB change after blowout loss to Coltshttps://t.co/ZlgG8Do5Fx pic.twitter.com/fvDfWF7JqD

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 5, 2025

Media critics echoed the praise. The Sporting News called it “a reminder that great commentary can make football magical again,” while USA Today labeled Collins “the broadcaster fans didn’t know they needed.”

---

A victory for emotion in sports broadcasting

In an era when many networks prioritize polished professionalism over passion, Eric Collins reminded everyone why authenticity still matters. His unfiltered excitement — his genuine love for the game — connected deeply with fans burned out by formulaic commentary.

And as for the game itself? The Panthers’ 27–24 win over the Dolphins may have been an upset — but the real winner was Collins.

He ended his broadcast breathless but triumphant, signing off with the kind of sincerity only he could deliver:

“This is why we love football — every second, every snap, every story.”

NFL Week 5 shakes up the power rankings — no team is safe anymore

Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season reminded fans of a timeless truth: no one stays unbeaten forever. Both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills — the two early-season favorites — fell on Sunday, shaking up the championship picture and opening the door for new contenders.

The Eagles lost their first game in nearly a year, while the Bills stumbled in prime time. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos found new life, the New York Jets continued to sink, and several mid-tier teams suddenly looked like real threats. Here are the biggest takeaways from a thrilling Week 5.

ALSO READ : Shohei Ohtani finally pitches in MLB playoffs after 2,746 days… will this be the moment that defines Dodgers vs Phillies?

---

The Eagles are mortal after all

The Eagles’ 365-day winning stretch ended in dramatic fashion. Despite their elite defense, the offense looked out of sync — and key players like A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley failed to deliver in critical moments.

Brown was limited to just five catches for 43 yards, while Barkley, who managed only 30 yards on six carries, committed an illegal shift penalty that wiped out a crucial fourth-down conversion. That mistake forced Jalen Hurts and the Eagles to punt on their penultimate drive — a turning point in their first loss of the season.

Even so, Philadelphia remains a genuine Super Bowl 60 contender. But Week 5 exposed the offensive inconsistencies that head coach Nick Sirianni must fix fast if they want to stay ahead of surging teams like Kansas City and Detroit.

---

The Bills’ loss opens up the AFC East

In Western New York, the Bills suffered a surprising defeat to the New England Patriots under the Sunday night lights. The upset ended Buffalo’s unbeaten run and signaled that the AFC East may be far more competitive than expected.

Wearing their “Cold Front” alternate uniforms, the Bills failed to match the Patriots’ energy and discipline. Josh Allen threw two interceptions, and the offensive line collapsed late in the game — giving New England new life and sending a clear message: “This division won’t be a walkover anymore.”

While head coach Sean McDermott downplayed the loss, fans couldn’t help but notice the cracks. The Bills have all the tools, but they’re missing the consistency of a champion right now.

---

Broncos shock the league with back-to-back wins

The story of the week belongs to the Denver Broncos. After years of inconsistency, Denver’s defense is looking ferocious again — recording six sacks in Philadelphia to add to their league-leading total of 15 entering Week 5.

Second-year quarterback Bo Nix seems to have finally found his rhythm, leading the Broncos to their first victory in Philadelphia since 1986. With two wins in six days and a resurgent defensive line, Denver suddenly looks like a team no one wants to face.

As head coach Sean Payton said post-game: “We’ve been patient, we’ve been tough, and now we’re seeing the results.”

---

Rookie coaches feeling the heat

For Aaron Glenn, it’s been a nightmare start. The New York Jets were blown out 37–22 by the Dallas Cowboys at home, leaving Glenn as the only first-year head coach still searching for a win this season.

Meanwhile, Kellen Moore and his New Orleans Saints bounced back, taking down the New York Giants and showing resilience after a rough Week 4.

The Jets, however, remain the only winless team in the league — a tough pill to swallow for fans who expected the post–Aaron Rodgers rebuild to show progress.

---

The contenders list just got crowded

With both the Eagles and Bills taking their first losses, the Super Bowl 60 picture feels wide open.

The San Francisco 49ers continue to look dominant, while the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins remain legitimate threats. The Detroit Lions, powered by Jared Goff, are quietly emerging as NFC dark horses.

Week 5 proved that no single team has all the answers — and that’s what makes this season thrilling.

What We Learned, via @Eric_Edholm: Raiders might have to consider QB change after blowout loss to Coltshttps://t.co/ZlgG8Do5Fx pic.twitter.com/fvDfWF7JqD

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) October 5, 2025

---

Defensive lines are ruling the league

Across the NFL, defenses are dominating. Denver’s front seven, Cleveland’s Myles Garrett, and San Francisco’s Nick Bosa are redefining pressure in 2025.

The Eagles’ once-feared defense still ranks among the league’s elite, but with offenses struggling under complex blitz schemes, Week 5 may have marked the season where defense truly takes over again.

---

Who’s trending up and down?

Trending Up:

• Denver Broncos – Bo Nix is settling in; the pass rush is terrifying.
• New England Patriots – Statement win over Buffalo breathes life into Foxborough.
• Detroit Lions – Jared Goff’s efficiency and leadership are turning heads.

Trending Down:

• New York Jets – Aaron Glenn’s seat is getting hotter by the minute.
• Philadelphia Eagles – Still great, but suddenly human.
• Buffalo Bills – The AFC East isn’t theirs to cruise through anymore.

---

What Week 5 really means

Week 5 was the perfect microcosm of the NFL’s unpredictable chaos. No team, no matter how dominant, can escape the league’s parity. The Eagles and Bills learned that the hard way, while teams like the Broncos and Patriots reminded fans that momentum can shift in a single Sunday.

As the season barrels toward midyear, the race for Super Bowl 60 feels more wide open than ever.

The message is simple: Every week is anyone’s game.