Al Michaels remains Amazon Prime’s play-by-play man for the network’s “Thursday Night Football” broadcasts.
The legendary NFL announcer, 81, calls games alongside Kirk Herbstreit and sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung.
Michaels is on a year-by-year deal at Amazon Prime. Herbstreit, meanwhile, recently signed an extension at Amazon Prime, however the network has some out clauses in the contract, if someone like Troy Aikman were to become available.
But when will Michaels step away?
© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Michaels appeared on The Dan Patrick Show on Wednesday and he was asked about his future in NFL broadcasting.
The legendary NFL announcer made it clear that he’s not anywhere close to a decision on his future for 2027 and beyond. Michaels, though, understands that either he will realize it’s time to step away, or Amazon Prime will tell him it’s time to step away.
“Well, either the people that I work for will tell me, or I’ll know myself, a combination,” Michaels said. “Let’s put it this way. The folks at Amazon and Prime have been fantastic. Fantastic to me.”
Michaels has been calling “Thursday Night Football” games since 2022. He’s been calling NFL games for basically half of his life.
“If they come to me and say, you know, it’s time for us to move on … You guys have been fantastic. You’ve been great. I’ve done the NFL for 41 years, which is half my life. Love it. But you know what? At a certain time, it’s time,” he said. “And if they feel it’s time, great. And if I feel it’s time, I’ll know it. And I’ll say, ‘You know what? Thanks for the memories.’”
The 2027 NFL broadcasting offseason could have serious fireworks
There’s uncertainty with several different networks:
- Amazon Prime could have Michaels and Herbstreit back, or go in a different direction in one or both spots
- ESPN is retaining Joe Buck, though Troy Aikman is on an expiring deal
- CBS is moving on from Tony Romo, though it’s unclear if J.J. Watt will keep the No. 1 job
- FOX and NBC seem to be set with Kevin Burkhardt/Tom Brady and Mike Tirico/Cris Collinsworth
It’s going to be a pretty fascinating offseason for NFL announcers.
