While the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics couldn’t be more different, this year, they shared an extraordinary connection: the veteran sportscaster, Mike Tirico.
As a seasoned NBC sportscaster, Tirico found himself in a unique position. On a recent Sunday, he was covering the Super Bowl live from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Simultaneously, the Winter Olympics, also broadcast by NBC, were in full swing across Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy. His network tasked him with anchoring both monumental events.
The moment the final whistle blew at the Super Bowl, Tirico immediately shifted gears, hosting an Olympics segment live from the field. From there, it was a rapid dash to his hotel, a quick grab of his luggage, and onto a private jet bound for Italy. Amazingly, just hours later, he was live on air from NBC’s Olympic studio, perfectly composed in a suit and tie.
Speaking to The New York Times from Italy on Tuesday, Tirico shared insights into this incredible trans-Atlantic journey, detailing his preparation for two massive events and the personal impact of such an intense schedule.
(This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity.)
The interviewer began by asking, ‘How many cups of coffee did it take to get through the last 24 hours?’
Tirico’s surprising answer: ‘Two.’
The interviewer pressed, ‘Just two?’
He confirmed, ‘That’s all! I had a strong coffee around 2 or 3 a.m. as the exhaustion began to set in, and another during the flight. That was it.’
When asked about the physical toll, Tirico reflected:
‘Honestly, it wasn’t as bad as it sounds. The key is to have all your preparation meticulously planned. Beyond that, it’s about managing travel, grabbing some sleep, and then letting the energy and adrenaline of live television take over. While the public attention on this double assignment was significant, and the long-distance logistics presented a challenge, the actual broadcasting felt entirely manageable.’
Curious about the immediate aftermath of the Super Bowl, the interviewer inquired, ‘Did you take your bags directly to the stadium?’
‘We made a quick stop at the hotel Sunday night,’ Tirico explained. ‘Our team had a small postgame celebration for the Super Bowl and the season. I briefly joined, grabbed my luggage, and then departed on a private plane with eleven other individuals who were also making the overnight journey.’
The interviewer then asked, ‘What did you do during the flight?’
‘I managed to sleep for more than half of the flight,’ he replied. ‘After waking up, we were fortunate to have excellent Wi-Fi, allowing us to watch several hours of Olympic coverage. We also reviewed some final preparations and notes before getting ready for the broadcast later that evening.’
Reflecting on the broader challenge, the interviewer probed, ‘How did you manage to balance preparation for both the Olympics and the Super Bowl simultaneously?’
‘You dedicate specific time each day,’ Tirico shared. ‘For instance, I’d block out two hours for Olympic prep, perhaps a scheduled call with our research team. This ensures daily engagement with both events. Football has a predictable weekly rhythm, and the built-in off-week before the Super Bowl provides a perfect window for dedicated preparation.’
Curious about any hidden pressures, the interviewer asked, ‘What was the most stressful aspect of this entire experience?’
‘To be completely honest,’ Tirico responded, ‘there has been absolutely no stress. Our team’s logistical planning was phenomenal. Last week, my Super Bowl producer, Rob Hyland, gave me a valuable reminder: “Let’s truly enjoy this. Savor every moment of this incredible opportunity.” ‘
The interviewer concluded, ‘One must adapt to a career like this, wouldn’t you agree?’
‘While the attention is appreciated,’ Tirico said, ‘ultimately, viewers at home just want to turn on their TVs and enjoy the Super Bowl and the Olympics. We’re not constructing buildings or performing life-saving work; we’re simply talking about sports. There’s no room for complaints or seeking personal recognition in this role. I’m simply living out a sports fan’s ultimate dream.’
‘Even if some logistical challenges draw attention, for me, it’s just another day at the office, whether it’s Monday or Tuesday.’