NBC has been blasted by furious Americans after the network chose not to broadcast the national anthem before Sunday Night Football.

Moments before the game between the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked off, many Americans eagerly awaited the performance of The Star-Spangled Banner at Soldier Field.

But NBC skipped over the national anthem and instead broadcast an interview with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and their own Sunday Night Football anthem, performed by Carrie Underwood, instead.

TV viewers briefly saw an aerial view of the field but flag bearers were already carrying a folded American flag back into one of the stadium's tunnels after the pregame pageantry.

That decision sparked fury among those watching at home, particularly because America will celebrate Veterans Day on Wednesday. It was also the NFL's 'Salute To Service' week, the league's annual honoring of veterans.

One commented: 'This is a disgrace and @nbc should be ashamed of itself. Anyone who lives in this country should at the minimum respect the national anthem. If you have so much disdain - leave. Do not disrespect those who sacrificed their lives for this country.'

Another posted: 'NBC skipped the national anthem on Sunday Night Football during Veterans Day week. NBC is pathetic. Sick!!! Americans need to speak out against these traitors!!!' 

A third responded: 'Shame on NBC for not showing the National Anthem!!! My son is serving overseas. You suck! I will not forget. Will cancel any subscriptions that involved NBC.'

'You don't have the patriotism or decency to do the anthem for Sunday Night Football, but made sure that your stupid intro was aired. Done with NBC, Peacock and anything else NBC touches,' another wrote.

'NBC deciding not to show the singing of the National Anthem tells everyone that they don't care about the country or its people so maybe they should lose their rights to broadcast,' another declared.

The Daily Mail has contacted NBC for clarification over why the national anthem was not broadcast. 

As for the action on the field, Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears played one of their worst games of the season but still managed to win to move to 7-2.

Williams found Colston Loveland for a 38-yard reception that set up Cairo Santos' 38-yard field goal as time expired to ensure the Bears picked up a sloppy 27-24 victory over Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.

The anthem drama came on a chaotic night for the Sunday Night Football crew that also saw lead play-by-play commentator Mike Tirico get pulled from the broadcast due to a health issue.

Just seven hours before kickoff, NBC released a statement from Tirico, 59, confirming he would not be on the call and he would be replaced by Noah Eagle.

The versatile broadcast star was due to be calling his 300th NFL game with Cris Collinsworth alongside him in the booth and Melissa Stark sideline reporting.

'Unfortunately, I will have to miss tonight's game in Chicago due to a health issue,' Tirico said in his statement. 

'I look forward to watching tonight and can't wait to be back with Cris, Melissa and the rest of our 'SNF' team next Sunday night in Cincinnati.' 

The legendary announcer has been the voice of Sunday Night Football since he took over from Al Michaels in 2022. He also hosts the network's Olympics coverage and calls NBA games.

Next weekend will see the Cincinnati Bengals host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football, when Tirico hopes to return.