One of the cool perks of watching NFL preseason games is that teams get to tap local broadcasters for their televised games. On Monday, the Lions announced that for the 2026 preseason, their FOX broadcast crew would once again feature play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti, color analyst T.J. Lang, and Patti Cesarini as the crew’s sideline reporter.

Benetti returns for his second season as the Lions preseason play-by-play announcer, adding to his already many prominent broadcasting roles in the sports world. Currently, Benetti is in his third year as the Detroit Tigers play-by-play announcer, works nationally for FOX Sports (covering the NFL, college football, college basketball, and baseball), and is the lead announcer for NBC’s Sunday Night Baseball.

Here’s an excerpt from the Lions press release announcing Benetti’s return to his preseason role with the Lions:

“Recognized for his excellence in sports journalism, he was named the 2024 Michigan Sportscaster of the Year and is a two-time Illinois Sportscaster of the Year. A proud graduate of Syracuse University (2005) and Wake Forest Law School (2011), he also serves as an ambassador for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, using his platform to support inclusivity and awareness in sports.”

Lang, a Metro Detroit native, played on the offensive line locally at Eastern Michigan, won a Super Bowl with the Packers in 2011, and finished his NFL career in Detroit.

Cesarini, a new addition to the crew for 2026, played volleyball locally at Oakland University and brings a versatile resume as a reporter, and according to the press release, she has experience covering football, basketball, hockey, and volleyball throughout her career. Here’s an excerpt from the Lions press release:

“She brings a strong on-air presence, game insight, and a natural connection to athletes and fans. She has also worked as an in-game host for the United Shore Professional Baseball League and interned with the Windy City ThunderBolts, combining deep sports knowledge with vibrant, engaging storytelling.”

Of note, for the Lions’ first preseason game, Benetti is unavailable and will be replaced by Jack Kizer, a play-by-play broadcaster for college sports games on FOX Sports and the Big Ten Network.