Why is Al Michaels Not On Sunday Night Football? Who is Al Michaels?
by Jayasree D
Updated Dec 15, 2023
Why is Al Michaels Not On Sunday Night Football?
Al Michaels is not on Sunday Night Football due to growing criticism over his lack of enthusiasm during game broadcasts. At 79, he faced backlash for his energy levels, especially during last year's NFL Wild Card game and throughout the 2023 regular season. This led to NBC Sports deciding to leave him off the broadcasting team for this year's NFL Playoffs.
Despite the criticism, Michaels has been the voice of Amazon Prime Video's "Thursday Night Football" for the past two seasons and plans to continue in that role next season. The decision for the NFL Playoffs involves NBC's No. 1 duo, Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth, calling two games, with 26-year-old Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge covering the third game, starting on January 13.
Who is Al Michaels?
Al Michaels is a highly regarded sports broadcaster known for his lengthy and influential career. He has made a significant impact on sports commentary with his engaging play-by-play coverage of various major events. Michaels gained widespread recognition for his memorable call during the "Miracle on Ice" hockey game at the 1980 Winter Olympics, where the United States achieved a historic victory over the Soviet Union.
Throughout his career, he has covered diverse sports, including football and baseball, and has collaborated with major networks like ABC and NBC. His distinctive voice and insightful commentary have solidified his status as a legendary figure in the field of sports broadcasting.
Full Name
Al Michaels
Birthdate
November 12, 1944
Age
79
Birthplace
Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
Alma Mater
Arizona State University
Occupation
Sports Commentator
Years Active
1964–present
Spouse
Linda Anne Stamaton (Married in 1966)
Children
2
Genres
Play-by-Play
Al Michaels Age
Al Michaels is currently 79 years old, born on November 12, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York City. His extensive career as a sports commentator has spanned several decades, showcasing his versatility in covering a variety of sports, including football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, horse racing, and boxing. Michaels began his sports commentary journey in 1964 and has been actively involved in the field up to the present day.
Over the years, he has contributed to major sports networks such as NBC Sports (in multiple periods, starting in 1971 and from 2006 to the present), CBS Sports (in 1975), and ABC Sports (from 1976 to 2006). Currently associated with Amazon since 2022, Al Michaels continues to be a prominent figure in the world of sports broadcasting.
Al Michaels Career
Al Michaels has had a distinguished and enduring career as a sports commentator, marked by versatility and significant contributions. Starting in 1964, his journey in sports commentary has spanned over five decades. Known for his engaging play-by-play style, Michaels has covered a wide range of sports, including football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, horse racing, and boxing.
He has been associated with major sports networks such as NBC Sports, where he has been active since 1971 with breaks, CBS Sports in 1975, and ABC Sports from 1976 to 2006. Notably, Michaels gained widespread recognition for his iconic call during the "Miracle on Ice" hockey game at the 1980 Winter Olympics. Currently affiliated with Amazon since 2022, his enduring career reflects his influence and impact on the field of sports broadcasting.
Al Michaels Family
Al Michaels has a family rooted in his marriage to Linda Anne Stamaton, whom he wed in 1966. The couple has two children. Despite his public profile as a prominent sports commentator, Michaels tends to keep his family life relatively private. The family's journey has unfolded over the years, with Linda Anne Stamaton being Al Michaels' enduring partner through the various chapters of his extensive career.
While specific details about his family life may not be extensively publicized, Michaels' commitment to his craft and the support of his family have likely played crucial roles in his successful and enduring career in the world of sports broadcasting.
Why Did Al Michaels Leave Sunday Night Football?
Al Michaels left Sunday Night Football due to criticism of his low energy during broadcasts. At 79, he faced backlash for his lack of enthusiasm, particularly in last year's NFL Wild Card game and throughout the 2023 regular season. As a result, NBC Sports decided not to include him in this year's NFL Playoffs broadcasting team. Despite this, Michaels continues as the voice of Amazon Prime Video's "Thursday Night Football."
NBC's decision for the playoffs involves their top duo, Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth, handling two games, while 26-year-old Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge cover the third, starting on January 13.
What Happened to Al Michaels Sunday Night Football?
Al Michaels is not on Sunday Night Football due to criticism of his enthusiasm during game broadcasts. At 79, he faced backlash for his energy levels, notably during last year's NFL Wild Card game and throughout the 2023 regular season. This led to NBC Sports deciding not to include him in this year's NFL Playoffs broadcasting team.
Despite this, Michaels continues to be the voice of Amazon Prime Video's "Thursday Night Football" for the past two seasons and plans to continue in that role next season. The decision for the NFL Playoffs involves NBC's No. 1 duo, Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth, calling two games, with 26-year-old Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge covering the third game, starting on January 13.
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Why is Al Michaels Not On Sunday Night Football- FAQs
Al Michaels is not on Sunday Night Football due to criticism of his low energy levels, especially during the 2023 season. This led NBC Sports to exclude him from the NFL Playoffs broadcasting team.
Growing criticism over his lack of enthusiasm, particularly in last year's NFL Wild Card game and the 2023 regular season, led NBC Sports to leave Al Michaels off the Sunday Night Football team for this year's NFL Playoffs.
Yes, despite not being on Sunday Night Football, Al Michaels has been the voice of Amazon Prime Video's "Thursday Night Football" for the past two seasons and plans to continue in that role next season
NBC's No. 1 broadcasting duo, Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth, will call two NFL Playoff games, while 26-year-old Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge will cover the third game starting on January 13.
Throughout his career, Al Michaels has been associated with major sports networks, including NBC Sports, CBS Sports, and ABC Sports, contributing significantly to football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, horse racing, and boxing broadcasts.