Netflix appoints Luke Kuechly as lead NFL analyst for 2026

Netflix has selected Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Luke Kuechly as its new lead game analyst for its NFL broadcasts this season, according to multiple reports. The 35-year-old former Carolina Panthers star will join play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle to form the streaming service's primary broadcast team.

Kuechly secured the role after a successful tryout with Eagle earlier this month, where the pair demonstrated immediate chemistry that impressed Netflix executives. He is expected to call four of Netflix's five scheduled NFL games for the 2026 season, beginning with the Week 1 matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday, Sept. 10. NBC will produce the game for Netflix.

The streaming platform is expanding its NFL footprint this season, adding the international opener, a Thanksgiving Eve game, and a Week 18 Saturday game to its existing slate of Christmas Day contests. Its three-year deal with the league, which includes a Christmas doubleheader this December, is entering its final season. The five-game schedule represents Netflix's most ambitious foray into live NFL coverage to date.

Kuechly brings some broadcasting...