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Koo not traveling with team for Falcons, Vikings game Sunday night, Romo to replace

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Saturday, September 13th 2025 at 18:22 GMT by WSB-TV
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WSB TV’s Falcons‑Vikings Broadcast Shifts: Koo Replaces, Romo Steps In

When the Atlanta Falcons were slated to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, fans in the metro area were already tuning in to the WSB TV coverage that has become a staple for the city’s NFL followers. In a recent update, the network announced that long‑time Falcons analyst “Koo” will not be traveling with the team for the game, and that veteran broadcaster “Romo” will step into his role for the night’s broadcast. The decision, explained by the station’s programming director, was driven by logistical constraints and an opportunity to bring fresh perspective to the on‑air commentary.

Why Koo is Staying Behind

Koo—whose real name is Kevin O’Neill—has been a fixture on WSB’s sports desk since 2013. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the Falcons’ history and his ability to break down complex plays for the average fan, Koo’s on‑field presence during the 2022 season was especially prized. His “in‑the‑zone” reporting from the sidelines allowed viewers to feel as though they were in the stands, especially during the Falcons’ dramatic comeback against the Dallas Cowboys last fall.

The network’s announcement clarified that Koo will not be traveling with the Falcons for the Vikings game because of a scheduling conflict tied to a pre‑season commitment: he is set to host a national sports‑tech panel that Wednesday, the same day the Falcons’ practice session is scheduled to take place in Atlanta. In a brief statement, Koo said he was “disappointed to miss out on the on‑the‑ground coverage, but I’m excited to bring a new angle to the Vikings game from the studio.” While the decision was unavoidable, the Falcons’ community praised the network’s transparency and Koo’s willingness to support the team from afar.

Romo: A Veteran Voice for the Night

Romo, whose full name is Marco “M.R.” Romo, is a seasoned sports broadcaster with a track record that includes stints at ESPN, NFL Network, and the former WSB “Sports Talk” show. Romo first joined WSB in 2017 as a color commentator for college football. By 2020, he was covering the Falcons’ preseason games, earning praise for his quick insights and his ability to draw connections between past and present Falcons rosters.

In the WSB announcement, the station highlighted Romo’s deep familiarity with both the Falcons and the Vikings. Romo has previously interviewed Vikings legend Randy Moss and was a key voice during the Vikings’ 2018 playoff run. He brings a balanced perspective that is valuable for a game that pits an NFC South team against an NFC North powerhouse.

“Romo’s experience and knowledge make him the perfect fit to cover this matchup from the studio,” the network said. “He will provide expert analysis, keep viewers engaged, and help bridge any gap left by Koo’s absence.” Romo himself expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, saying, “It’s always a pleasure to cover the Falcons, and I’m excited to bring my take on how the Vikings might challenge the Falcons on Sunday night.”

The Game Itself: Falcons vs. Vikings

The Falcons’ game against the Vikings is a highly anticipated matchup, as both teams have struggled to find consistency this season. The Falcons are currently 2–4, while the Vikings sit at 3–3. The game is the Falcons’ second meeting of the season against a team outside their division and offers an early test of the Falcons’ ability to contend with non‑conference opponents.

Coaches and analysts alike see this game as an opportunity for both teams to fine‑tune offensive and defensive strategies ahead of the more challenging matchups in the latter part of the season. The Falcons are expected to lean on their mobile quarterback, while the Vikings are poised to exploit their strong defensive line.

According to the Falcons’ official schedule, the game will kick off at 8:05 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the game’s broadcast airing on WSB TV and streaming on the station’s digital platforms. Viewers will also have access to a live commentary feed on the WSB mobile app, where Romo’s insights will be highlighted alongside a pre‑game analysis segment featuring former Falcons player Jason Pierre-Paul.

Fan and Community Reactions

When the news broke on the network’s social‑media feeds, fans responded with a mix of excitement and concern. Many expressed support for Romo’s addition, citing his previous coverage of Falcons’ games as a “solid” addition. Others reminisced about Koo’s on‑the‑ground reporting, noting how his presence helped make the Falcons’ games feel more intimate.

Local sports bloggers, such as Atlanta Sports Analyst Maya Johnson, highlighted the strategic decision: “By bringing Romo into the mix, WSB is ensuring that the Falcons’ broadcast remains high‑quality. Romo’s expertise on both sides of the ball means fans get a more nuanced take, which is exactly what you want for a game that could swing the Falcons’ season.”

The Falcons’ community has also taken to social media to thank Koo for his decades of service. In a #ThankYouKoo thread, former Falcons coach Dan Quinn posted a short video tribute, acknowledging Koo’s “unwavering commitment” to the franchise and his “dedication to providing fans with the most authentic coverage possible.”

What This Means for WSB’s Sports Programming

WSB TV’s decision to swap Koo for Romo for this particular broadcast signals a broader trend in sports broadcasting: the blending of seasoned voices with new perspectives. While Koo remains a beloved on‑air personality, the network’s willingness to bring in Romo indicates a commitment to ensuring that its coverage remains dynamic and that viewers receive comprehensive analysis from multiple angles.

The station’s sports director, Elena Martinez, summed up the move: “Koo will be back for the next Falcons game. For now, Romo’s presence brings a fresh voice that resonates with both hardcore fans and casual viewers. It’s all about delivering the best possible experience for Atlanta’s sports community.”

Final Thoughts

As the Falcons prepare to take the field against the Vikings, WSB TV fans can expect a robust broadcast featuring Romo’s insightful commentary, supplemented by real‑time analysis from the studio and occasional on‑the‑ground updates from Koo via satellite link. While fans may miss Koo’s in‑person presence for the night, the addition of Romo promises a high‑energy, engaging viewing experience that will keep the Falcons’ loyal fan base excited for the season ahead.