While many expect Al Michaels to call it quits in his career next season, the legendary NFL commentator’s days from the booth may be far from over.
After 15 years at NBC, the 80-year-old inked a deal with Amazon Prime to cover their Thursday Night Football games with ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbsreit.
According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Amazon Prime Video expects Michaels to stay on their TNF broadcast after his deal expires at the end of this season.
‘With 80-year-old sportscasting legend Al Michaels’ contract expiring at the end of the season, both he and Amazon Prime Video expect him to return next year, sources briefed on the discussions told The Athletic,’ Marchand wrote.
‘Michaels’ original three-year deal that pays him in the neighborhood of Joe Buck’s $15 million per season ESPN contract concludes after this year.’
‘Prime Video has an opening round playoff game this year that Michaels and his game analyst Kirk Herbstreit are scheduled to call.’
Al Michaels is expected to remain on his broadcast duties despite fans calling for his retirement
Michaels is expected to call one of the Wild Card games with ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit
Marchand also noted that Michael is taking his new deal on a ‘year-by-year’ basis.
The broadcast veteran’s new deal comes amid growing criticism about his on-air performances, which led to the speculation of his close retirement.
Throughout his tenure with Amazon Prime Video, fans had accused Michaels of sounding bored and uninterested on the call.
Michaels was not involved in the NFL postseason coverage last season. However, The Athletic reported that Amazon secured the rights to broadcast one of the postseason games in 2025.
Although the playoff schedule will not be set for another month, Michaels and Herbstreit will surely call one of the Wild Card Round showdowns.
Michaels has called 11 Super Bowls, countless NFL prime-time games, and iconic MLB and NHL moments throughout his legendary career.
