It is not an easy feat to make a relatively meaningless game entertaining for viewers at home, but Charlotte Hornets announcer Eric Collins pulled it off in spectacular fashion.

Collins, who calls Hornets NBA games for FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, made his NFL debut on Sunday. He took over play-by-play duties as the Carolina Panthers hosted the Miami Dolphins in a battle of 1-3 teams.

Not many NFL fans expect either of these teams to make a run for the playoffs, but Collins didn’t let that fact keep him from calling this game like the Lombardi Trophy was at stake.

Charlotte Hornets announcer Eric Collins is calling the Panthers-Dolphins game on FOX and it has been electric. 😂pic.twitter.com/T5hgG1rhkM

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 5, 2025

One play, in particular, featured Collins calling a touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. This score gave the Dolphins the lead with just under five minutes remaining in the game.

“Eric Collins needs to be on the call permanently,” one fan posted on X. “It’s like I’m listening to Gus Johnson in his prime. This is awesome.” Others weighed in and said that Collins has serious skills due to his ability to “make Hornets games interesting.”

Comparing the Hornets announcer to Gus Johnson is high praise indeed. The veteran broadcaster built a reputation for his excited calls in both college football and the NFL. He even landed the play-by-play duties for two of the “Madden NFL” video games.

In case you missed it: Charlotte Hornets NBA announcer Eric Collins was on the call for the Panthers-Dolphins game on FOX — and it was incredible.

The man brings unmatched energy no matter the sport‼️ #Epic #NeedMore pic.twitter.com/JVsMO2LQ8H

— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) October 5, 2025

Collins has called football games in the past. He has just primarily focused on college football and NFL Europe. The battle between the Panthers and Dolphins provided him an opportunity to call a game from Bank of America Stadium and then walk home after.

“It’s a bucket list thing,” Collins said ahead of the game, per the Charlotte Observer. “A perfect situation for me. I’m excited to sleep in my own bed, not in a hotel, and I won’t walk there, but I may walk home.

“I could become the only NFL announcer who’s ever walked back home. This is a fun week having a chance to be around Charlotte’s teams, and I want to see what (the Panthers’ atmosphere) is all about.”