Legendary American sports broadcaster Al Michaels has found himself in the crosshairs of NFL fans once again, following what many have described as an 'underwhelming' commentary call during a pivotal playoff game.
Fan Backlash Over Playoff Commentary
The 81-year-old commentator, who recently confirmed he will return for another season with Amazon Prime Video, called the action for the Green Bay Packers' Wild Card showdown against the Chicago Bears. The criticism centred on his delivery of Christian Watson's early touchdown, a major moment in the contest.
Michaels' call was notably measured: 'Rolling... throwing... caught. And, does he get into the end zone? He does. Christian Watson crosses the goalline for a touchdown.' This prompted an immediate and fierce reaction on social media, with viewers comparing his subdued tone to a mundane daily greeting.
One fan lamented that Michaels was making the game 'borderline unwatchable,' while another stated, 'A team scores a touchdown in the playoffs and he announces it like he’s saying good morning to a coworker in the hallway.' Others directly called for his retirement, citing a perceived lack of energy during big moments.
A Stalwart Broadcaster Defends His Style
Despite the backlash, Michaels remains steadfast. Speaking to Sports Business Journal earlier this week, he addressed speculation about his future, saying, 'First of all, I feel great... I’ve been looking at this year one year at a time and as long as I feel I’m at the top of my game, I’d like to continue.'
His career is nothing short of iconic, spanning over 50 years with networks like ABC and NBC before moving to Amazon Prime Video's 'Thursday Night Football' in 2022. He is famed for his calls of historic events like the 'Miracle on Ice' at the 1980 Winter Olympics and the earthquake-interrupted 1989 World Series.
Michaels has previously addressed critiques of his calm style. In 2023, he dismissed the notion that he should 'scream and holler,' arguing that such an approach is not authentic to him or peers like Joe Buck and Jim Nantz. He also expressed scepticism towards social media criticism, remarking, 'Now anybody sitting in a basement has a platform.'
Divided Opinions and a Lasting Legacy
Not all feedback was negative. Some supporters defended the veteran, with one viewer simply stating, 'Al Michaels is awesome. Keep going Al.' This highlights the divide between fans who cherish his experienced, steady voice and those who crave more overt excitement from their playoff commentators.
As the debate continues, one fact remains clear: Al Michaels, a defining voice in sports broadcasting for more than four decades, is not ready to relinquish the microphone just yet, setting the stage for more commentary—and likely more discussion—in the 2026 season.
