Carrie Underwood Returns to Headline NBC’s Sunday Night Football Opening for a 14th Straight Season
By Website Content Manager
NBC’s Sunday Night Football is scheduled to kick off its new season on Sept. 13.
Carrie Underwood is set to return as the face of NBC’s Sunday Night Football opening sequence for the 14th consecutive year.
PEOPLE exclusively announced on Aug. 4 that the 43-year-old country superstar will once again headline the show’s signature opening, which premieres Sept. 13 on NBC and Peacock.
In a statement, Underwood said this year’s production continues the rock-inspired style that has become part of her Sunday Night Football performances. She shared her excitement about the updated version of the theme song and praised creative director Tripp Dixon and the production team for delivering a fresh visual concept that celebrates both the energy of rock music and the legacy of the iconic broadcast. She added that this year’s opening is among her personal favorites.
According to NBC, the new introduction will feature several performance settings, including a recording studio, an intimate live music venue, and a packed stadium concert, creating a cinematic journey before kickoff.
Dixon explained that the creative direction was influenced by Underwood’s longtime passion for rock music. He noted that the Sunday Night Football anthem is rooted in Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ classic “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” and said the goal was to blend that timeless rock spirit with Underwood’s high-energy performance before the focus shifts to the NFL’s biggest stars.
PEOPLE also unveiled exclusive promotional artwork showing Underwood wearing knee-high boots with a black-and-blue ensemble.
The 2026 season opener is scheduled for Sept. 13 and will feature the Dallas Cowboys taking on the New York Giants.