Al Michaels is one of the most legendary names in sports broadcasting.
But with the 2024 NFL playoffs set to begin and fans still debating who will win the regular-season MVP, a surprise announcement by Michaels immediately divided fans.
GettyMichaels has long been associated with the NFL[/caption]
Michaels is hoping to return for another season in the booth in 2025, according to The Athletic.
“Sad to hear,” was one of the first replies that followed.
But Michaels is seeing it completely different.
“I am leaning very heavily in that direction, yes,” Michaels said about returning in 2025.
“I want to make sure, No. 1, I’m healthy enough, which I am right now.
“I want to make sure I still have the passion for it, and I know I do.
“Those two factors are key.”
The 80-year-old was a huge voice for Sunday Night Football on NBC before leaping to Amazon as part of a new NFL streaming package.
Bad match-ups often had Michaels sounding bored during his first year with Prime Video.
But his pairing with Kirk Herbstreit on Thursday Night Football is one of the most unique in sports broadcasting.
GettyMichaels turned 80 in November but is planning to continue his career[/caption]
GettyMichaels often does hosting duties alongside Charissa Thompson[/caption]
GettyMichaels and Cris Collinsworth shared a stage[/caption]
Factor in that Michaels called the 1980 Winter Olympics and 1989 World Series, and there’s no one left in US broadcasting with his experience at a peak level.
Still, many fans believed that this would be Michaels’ final year in the booth.
“His call on the last play of the game on the Brady Hail Mary that dropped uncaught in the end zone for the Eagles to win their first Super Bowl was horrendous,” one fan tweeted. “He’s been lackluster at best.”
“Does Al Michaels like football or not?” a second fan posted.
“He announces like he’s seen it all before because he’s seen it all before,” a third fan wrote.
To other longtime sports fans, Michaels has earned the right to drop the mic when he wants to.
Right now, he’s not circling 2025 as his end date.
“I love being with all those people,” Michaels said.
“We have fun. Away from on-air we have a lot of laughs, a lot of joy.
“I still get excited walking into a stadium. I still love to do what I do. So, why walk away?”
Follow talkSPORT NFL on Facebook
Follow our talkSPORT NFL page on Facebook for the latest breaking NFL news, exclusive video interviews, and the biggest talking points from around the league.
Our dedicated NFL YouTube channel ‘End Zone’ will also keep you across the very latest NFL news with exclusive access and our weekly ‘Rundown’ review show.
