Whether a highlight from LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier or Brandon Miller over the last few years, NBA fans have grown well-accustomed to Eric Collins' enthusiasm on the mic. For the first time in his career in Week 4, sports fans were treated to his voice over an NFL game.
Collins was in the booth once again for Fox's coverage of Bengals vs. Dolphins in Week 5, calling his second NFL game before the Hornets' 2026-27 season soon begins.
As he's known to do, Collins had quite the electric call of Ja'Marr Chase's spectacular deep touchdown grab in the third quarter.
Here's how Collins called Chase's touchdown against the Bengals.
Eric Collins makes enthusiastic call of Ja'Marr Chase TD
Collins has been the voice of the Hornets for over a decade now, which is where most sports fans have grown to love his calls and willingness to react with pure emotion. Collins' broadcasting career has only expanded in recent years — after joining the NBA on Prime Video crew before the 2025-26 season, he's now gotten the opportunity to call NFL action.
Last week, Collins made his NFL broadcasting debut for Dolphins vs. Panthers on Fox. In Week 5, he was assigned to Bengals vs. Dolphins. When the moment called for it, he let his voice shine.
In the third quarter with the Bengals up by 11, Chase extended the lead after Burrow found him from deep in the end zone.
Chase leapt and turned as he caught the pass for a Bengals touchdown.
"Oh! Ja'Marr Chase, you're kidding!" Collins yelled. "Good golly! A 45-yard touchdown!"
Eric Collins on the mic for this absurd Ja'Marr Chase touchdown 🗣️ (via @NFL) https://t.co/vy0Cu6nbOS
— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 11, 2026The call got plenty of positive reactions from fans:
Eric Collins + Ja’Marr Chase Euphoria. https://t.co/m29k3XBCGN
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 11, 2026ERIC COLLINS IN THE BOOTH ALL DAY EVERY DAY https://t.co/erlr9qtyKa
— Henry Pens (@Yanksland) October 11, 2026Eric Collins calling nfl games 😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️😭
— jake (@wannabejake9) October 11, 2026Cincinnati rolled to a 31-24 win to improve to 3-2 this season, clicking offensively so far this season.
Collins' NBA action will also soon begin, as the Hornets' season-opener against the Nets falls on Oct. 21.
