Al Michaels sparks retirement calls after latest Amazon Prime TNF performance
Al Michaels sparks retirement calls after latest Amazon Prime TNF performance
Sahil KurupFri, September 18, 2026 at 10:15 AM UTC
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NFL fans grew frustrated with Al Michaels just seconds into the first TNF game of the season (Image: Getty Images)
Al Michaels faced swift backlash from viewers Thursday night, mere moments into Amazon Prime's coverage of the Lions-Bills game, as fans flooded social media to debate whether the 81-year-old commentator should retire after an uncertain opening to the primetime matchup at the Bills' new Highmark Stadium.
The backlash emerged almost immediately, with viewers pointing out that Michaels - who also made an interesting comment about Donald Trump during the broadcast - seemed to overlook live plays on consecutive downs, including a fumble and an uncalled penalty during a Josh Allen scramble.
"Al Michaels has zero juice. It's been time for him to hang it up but this is tough to listen to," one viewer posted.
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Another commented: "Al Michaels is 15 words into this season and he's already all over the place."
A third viewer went even further, openly questioning his well-being. They wrote: "Is there something wrong with Al Michaels. Seriously he sounds like he was slurring."
Michaels is one of the biggest names in American sports broadcasting (Image: Getty Images)
That viewer wasn't the only one concerned, as another asked: "Is Al Michaels okay?"
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The response grew stronger when Michaels delivered an understated commentary on Josh Allen's inaugural touchdown at the new venue, a one-yard rushing score that represented the first points ever registered at Highmark Stadium. "Does he get in? He does," Michaels stated, a call numerous viewers felt lacked excitement for such a historic moment.
During the broadcast, Michaels attracted additional criticism after seemingly describing Allen as "maybe the best ever" as a rushing quarterback, a statement that generated backlash from fans who believed it overlooked the accomplishments of Michael Vick, Lamar Jackson, Cam Newton and others. Despite the dissatisfaction aimed at the broadcast, one fan recognized Michaels' contributions while suggesting it's time for a change.
"Al Michaels is one of if not the greatest sportscaster ever but he needs to retire after this season man. He just doesn't have it anymore," they wrote.
The backlash isn't unprecedented for Michaels, who has faced similar criticism throughout his tenure broadcasting Thursday Night Football for Amazon Prime Video since 2022. Audiences have consistently pointed out what they view as diminished energy in his coverage, a concern Michaels has previously addressed regarding the frequently unbalanced nature of Thursday night games.
"I mean, you just can't oversell something," Michaels once said when asked about the criticism. "Do you want me to sell you a 20-year-old Mazda? That's what you're asking me to do. I can't sell you a used car."
On the field, Thursday's contest looked like another one-sided affair in the opening half, with the Bills controlling play from their first possession.
Michaels, who has broadcast 11 Super Bowls and delivered legendary calls such as the "Miracle on Ice" and the earthquake-disrupted 1989 World Series, stands as one of the most accomplished play-by-play commentators in American sports broadcasting history, despite ongoing speculation about how much longer he'll continue working as he enters his ninth decade.
Source: “AOL Sports”
