NBC Sports has officially confirmed the highly anticipated return of country music superstar Carrie Underwood to her iconic role, performing the intro for ‘Sunday Night Football,’ ahead of what promises to be a landmark 20th season for the broadcast. This decision solidifies her enduring partnership with the network, ensuring fans will once again hear her powerful vocals kick off primetime NFL action.
For an impressive thirteen seasons, Underwood has been the unmistakable voice of the beloved ‘Sunday Night Football’ anthem, a role that has cemented her as an integral part of the broadcast’s identity. As the show prepares to celebrate its momentous two-decade anniversary, her continued involvement underscores her irreplaceable contribution to the pre-game excitement.
The new intro, featuring Underwood’s rendition of “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” – famously built upon Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You” riff – was pre-recorded at the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas. This strategic choice allowed for a visually stunning production designed to elevate the viewing experience for the upcoming 2025-26 NFL season.
Tripp Dixon, the creative director behind the ‘Sunday Night Football’ show intro, articulated the artistic vision for this milestone season. He stated, “For the 20th season of SNF, we wanted to set the tone for the night by reimagining the anthem sound in a way that plays to Carrie’s powerhouse vocals, while visually creating a seamless blend of stylized shots and behind-the-scenes moments evoking the national roadshow that is Sunday Night Football, week after week in the fall.”
Dixon further lauded the collaborative effort, adding, “As always, Tripp and the creative team continue to raise the bar, bringing the high energy and stunning visuals that the Sunday Night Football audience has come to expect year after year. I can’t wait for the world to see it!” This sentiment highlights the commitment to maintaining the high production quality and fan engagement synonymous with the broadcast.
Despite the widespread adoration for Underwood’s pre-game performance, persistent reports have circulated for years regarding her alleged lucrative weekly salary, with figures suggesting she earns $1 million per week. Given the NFL’s 18-week regular season, these reports have led many fans to believe her annual earnings from this role alone amount to a staggering $18 million.
However, during a 2023 appearance on Howard Stern’s popular show, Underwood directly addressed these financial claims. When Stern inquired, “Is it true that you make $18 million a year?” she unequivocally denied the accuracy of the reported figure, without disclosing her actual compensation.
While her exact salary from NBC Sports remains undisclosed, Underwood has consistently expressed profound enjoyment and humility regarding her annual involvement with the production. In a past interview, she shared her personal connection to the sport, stating, “Growing up we didn’t have cable or anything like that, so whatever was on TV was what we watched. Fortunately, that was a lot of football on Sundays.” She further emphasized how humbled she is by the opportunity and how much her children cherish seeing her on television every Sunday.
