NFL Announces 2012 SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL Preseason Television Schedule

The NFL today announced the national television schedule for the 2012 preseason, which includes two Sunday Night Football games on NBC. The SNF preseason kicks off on Sunday, August 19 when Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Indianapolis Colts, who own the first pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The other Sunday Night Football preseason tilt announced today has Mark Sanchez, Tim Tebow and the New York Jets hosting Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, August 26. Coverage for both games begins at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst) and Michele Tafoya - all nominated for 2012 Sports Emmy Awards - will call the games.

Sunday Night Football, which has won three consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Live Sports Series, ranks as the most-watched (persons 2+) and highest-rated primetime show, and the No. 1 program across the key demographics of Adults 18-49, 18-34, 25-54 as well as Men 18-49, 18-34 and 25-54, based on Nielsen live + same day data. Additionally, SNF is the No. 3 show among Women 18-34 and the No. 4 show among Women 18-49.