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2025NFLWeek 16

Everyone Is Worried About Al Michaels

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Al Michaels looking on.
Al Michaels (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)

Football fans are worried about the legendary Al Michaels following his forgettable performance in the broadcast booth on Thursday night.

Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit were in the broadcast booth for the Los Angeles Rams-Seattle Seahawks clash on ‘Thursday Night Football.’ Even though it was arguably the best game of the season thus far, Michaels wasn’t up for the task. The Seahawks won 38-37 in overtime, following a successful two-point conversion.

The 81-year-old sounded sleepy and bored in a game filled with incredible highlight reel plays, including Zach Charbonnet’s insane two-point conversion that tied the game.

For some reason, Michaels wasn’t the least bit entertained or excited when Rashid Shaheed brought Seattle back in the game with this electrifying punt-return touchdown in the fourth quarter:

Al Michaels also sounded half asleep while calling Puka Nacua’s go-ahead touchdown in overtime:

This lousy performance came one week after Michaels completely botched the Atlanta Falcons’ walk-off win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. Michaels displayed zero energy when Zane Gonzalez booted the game-winning field goal, too.

Fans Express Concern, Call For Al Michaels To Retire

Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit (Photo via Amazon Prime Video)

Michaels received immense criticism from unhappy football fans. While some expressed concern, others called for the legendary broadcaster to retire.

“It’s so bland. We do need get someone younger and actually gets excited,” one fan said.

“Michaels is an absolute legend but it’s time to hang it up. Guy is about 3 seconds behind every play and talks with the enthusiasm of a school librarian,” a user wrote.

“Al Michaels, thank you for your service but it’s time,” another commented.

“Man Al Michaels is ROUGH this season. He’s gotta hang it up,” a fan said.

“Al Michaels have some crazy gambling debts or something? Why is he still doing TV?” another wrote.

“Al Michaels is 81 years old. There is ZERO reason he should be calling NFL games anymore. He sounds like he’s half asleep during the games,” a user said.

During an interview with Jimmy Traina last month, Michaels said he’d like to return in 2026, when he’ll be 82. Michaels acknowledged that it’s a “two-way street”, and that he’s ready for the possibility of a potential change.

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