In a revolutionary crossover of traditional sports and virtual gaming, Peacock, EA Sports, and Genius Sports are teaming up to create a first-of-its-kind experience for NFL fans. The upcoming Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs game on Saturday, 21 December at 12 p.m. ET will feature the exclusive Madden NFL Cast, blending live football coverage with video game elements for a unique viewing experience.
The new concept was announced during halftime of Thursday’s Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers game, marking the third installment of the NFL’s “John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration.” The data-powered experience will integrate real-time football insights and cutting-edge animations, giving fans a dynamic, Madden NFL-inspired perspective on the game.
Using Genius Sports’ next-gen data and AI platform, GeniusIQ, the Madden NFL Cast will combine live football action with interactive, game-like features. The broadcast will present data-driven insights and vibrant, branded animations, immersing viewers in a way never seen before in sports media.
NBC Sports’ Paul Burmeister will provide play-by-play commentary, while former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert—also a Madden NFL expert and YouTuber—will use graphic overlays to analyze plays and predict game strategies. Six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Chad Ochocinco will step into the role of “ratings adjuster,” offering live updates on player ratings as the game unfolds.
Adding another layer to the experience, pro Madden NFL player Henry Leverette, a champion of the Ultimate Madden Bowl and the first player in Madden Championship Series history to earn over $1 million in career winnings, will contribute his expert gaming insights to the production.
Fred Gaudelli, executive producer of NFL at NBC Sports, shared his excitement about the innovative project: “We are excited to work with the NFL, EA SPORTS, and Genius Sports to offer fans the ability to watch Madden NFL come to life like never before exclusively on Peacock, which has established itself as a home for premium live sports and innovative viewing experiences.”
“This first-ever Madden NFL Cast marks a new milestone as Peacock’s first sports alt-cast,” Gaudelli continued. “Not only are the Texans and Chiefs in first place in their respective divisions, but they have star players at multiple positions whose avatars will help us analyze the game’s biggest plays through the Madden NFL 25 lens. It has long been a point of pride for John and the Madden family that their video game has helped generations of fans and gamers learn and enjoy football, and we are thrilled to continue that tradition.”
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