Nickelodeon Broadcasts an NFL Playoff Game – Cue the SpongeBob Jokes “Manti Teo’s girlfriend was just like Spongebob’s Bubble Buddy,” one viewer quipsJeremy Fuster | January 10, 2021 @ 3:12 PM Spongebob Nickelodeon The New Orleans Saints are beginning what could be Drew Brees’ last chance for a second Super Bowl title with a playoff game against the Chicago Bears, but fans are talking more about one of the networks broadcasting the matchup: Nickelodeon. Yes, as part of an experiment by the NFL and Viacom to bring football to a new generation, the network of slime and SpongeBob SquarePants is airing a special kids-friendly broadcast of the wild card playoff game alongside the more expected broadcaster CBS. Some of the changes include slimy special effects during touchdowns, an explanation of rules by “Young Sheldon” star Iain Armitage, and comparisons of Brees and teammate Taysom Hill to SpongeBob and Patrick. While Nick has ventured into sports in the past with the Kids Choice Sports Awards, this is the first time the network has aired a live pro game.