In a recent NFL broadcast, Cris Collinsworth, the longtime NBC color commentator and former NFL receiver, sparked controversy with his comments about the weight of backup quarterbacks in the league. During the Buffalo Bills-Los Angeles Chargers game on Saturday night, Collinsworth and play-by-play man Mike Tirico discussed Easton Stick, who was making his second career start as a backup quarterback for the Chargers.
Collinsworth stated, "When you're the backup quarterback, you can go months without even taking a single play in practice." He explained that the starting quarterback, Justin Herbert, would receive all the snaps during practice, leaving the backup with minimal opportunities to prepare. Tirico found this notion absurd and wondered how a team could neglect giving their backup quarterback valuable practice time. Collinsworth responded with a laugh, saying, "That's the reason a lot of backup quarterbacks are fat. They don't do anything!"
While Tirico and Collinsworth shared a lighthearted moment, not everyone found the comment amusing. Social media erupted with mixed reactions. Some viewers joined in on the laughter, while others criticized Collinsworth for fat-shaming and called for action against his comments. One commenter even questioned Collinsworth's ability as an announcer, claiming he hadn't improved over the years.
Despite the controversy surrounding Collinsworth's remarks, Easton Stick, listed at 6-foot-1, 224 pounds, proved his worth on the field. He completed 23 out of 33 passes for 215 yards and scored a rushing touchdown during the Chargers' 24-22 loss to the Bills. Stick, a fifth-round pick by the Chargers in the 2019 NFL Draft, filled in for the injured Justin Herbert, who had fractured his right index finger and required season-ending surgery.
This season has seen an increased number of backup quarterbacks stepping into starting roles due to injuries. However, the weight of these backup quarterbacks has not been a significant storyline until now. Collinsworth's comments have ignited a debate about the amount of practice time given to backups and whether their physical appearance reflects their level of preparation.
As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen if Collinsworth will face any consequences for his comments or if this controversy will have a lasting impact on the perception of backup quarterbacks in the NFL. Fans can stay updated on the latest sports news from Fox News Digital by following their coverage and subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
