Watch: Brilliant intro is highlight of 'SNF' dud

By John Gidley | Last updated Nov 13, 2023 2:51 PM ET

Over the past few weeks, the NFL faced scrutiny for not flexing out of the Week 10 "Sunday Night Football" game between the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders. Before the season, it was a game the network had hoped would feature QBs Aaron Rodgers of the Jets and a resurgent Jimmy Garoppolo of the Raiders.

Instead, both teams lived down to expectations on "SNF" as Zach Wilson — starting in place of an injured Rodgers — and Aidan O'Connell — starting in place of any ineffective "Jimmy G" — combined for a dreadful display of offense. Only one touchdown was scored in the Raiders' 16-12 win.

However, not all was lost for "SNF." Thanks to history-minded producers, NBC put together a game intro featuring actress Jennifer Edwards — a star of the 1968 television adaptation of "Heidi," a classic children's novel.

“I’m Jennifer Edwards, and 55 years ago this week, a movie I was in as a little girl kind of, how do I say this, got in the way of football. Tonight, we’re going to get it right, and show you the whole game. But if the ending isn’t happily ever after for your team, don’t blame me.”

Once upon a time, way back in 1968, NBC valued the start of its primetime schedule more than the finish of a crucial American Football League game between the 7-2 Jets and 7-2 Raiders.

Instead of sticking with the Jets-Raiders game to its conclusion, NBC went to Heidi," to the outrage of millions of football fans, who flooded the network's telephone switchboards with calls. The Raiders won a thriller, 43-32.

As you might expect, Sunday night's intro went over better than the game itself.

Needless to say, NBC learned its lesson in 1968.

Fifty-five years ago, scores of sports fans wanted Joe Namath and the Jets and Raiders over "Heidi." On Sunday night, most fans probably would have OK'd benching Wilson and O'Connell for Edwards.

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