Image Source: Chuck Schilken
Key Takeaways
- Al Michaels will return to call games for Prime Video’s NFL coverage next season
- Michaels has been the play-by-play announcer for "Thursday Night Football" since Prime Video acquired the rights in 2022
- The 81-year-old Sports Broadcasting Hall of Famer has been making play-by-play calls for prime time NFL games for 40 years
- Michaels has called 11 Super Bowls, including the 2022 game between the Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals
- He has worked with various notable commentators, including Kirk Herbstreit and Chick Hearn
Introduction to Al Michaels’ Career
Al Michaels, a legendary sportscaster, has been making play-by-play calls for prime time NFL games for an impressive 40 years. His next game will be on Saturday, when the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers in an NFC wild-card game on Amazon Prime Video. As reported, this will not be his last game, as Michaels will return to call games for Prime Video’s NFL coverage next season. This news was confirmed by the streaming service on Friday, much to the delight of football fans everywhere. With his extensive experience and iconic voice, Michaels has become a staple in the world of sports broadcasting.
Michaels’ Current Deal and Future Plans
After initially receiving a three-year deal from Amazon, which expired after 2024, Michaels reportedly worked this season under a one-year deal. However, it seems that both parties are interested in continuing their partnership. As Michaels told Sports Illustrated’s Jimmy Traina in November, "It’s a two-way street here. They could tell me, ‘We got to move on, it’s time to make a transition,’ all that. I don’t know, that could happen. But as of the moment as we sit here on this mid-November afternoon, I feel really good, still love what I do and, again, work with a tremendous crew. So, yeah, I think at this moment in time, I would like to continue, yes." This quote highlights Michaels’ passion for his work and his desire to continue doing what he loves.
A Legendary Career
One of Michaels’ first jobs out of college was a very brief stint with the legendary Chick Hearn on Lakers radio broadcasts in 1967. Since then, he has gone on to announce some of the biggest moments in sports history, including his signature "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!" call of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team’s upset of the Soviet Union. This iconic call has become synonymous with Michaels’ career and is often referenced in popular culture. As a renowned sportscaster, Michaels has had the privilege of working on various notable broadcasts, including ABC’s "Monday Night Football" from 1986-2005 and NBC’s "Sunday Night Football" from 2006-2021.
Notable Achievements and Accolades
Michaels has called 11 Super Bowls, most recently on February 13, 2022, when the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium. This impressive feat is a testament to his enduring career and his ability to continue delivering high-quality commentary. Throughout his career, Michaels has worked with various notable commentators, including Kirk Herbstreit, with whom he has been paired for "Thursday Night Football" since Prime Video acquired the rights in 2022. With his extensive experience and impressive resume, Michaels continues to be a respected and beloved figure in the world of sports broadcasting.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
In conclusion, Al Michaels’ return to Prime Video’s NFL coverage next season is a welcome announcement for football fans everywhere. With his iconic voice and extensive experience, Michaels continues to bring excitement and energy to the world of sports broadcasting. As he looks to the future, it is clear that Michaels is still passionate about his work and is eager to continue doing what he loves. As he said, "I feel really good, still love what I do and, again, work with a tremendous crew." With his return confirmed, fans can look forward to many more memorable moments and iconic calls from this legendary sportscaster.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2026-01-09/al-michaels-will-be-back-to-call-nfl-games-on-prime-video-in-2026