Is Al Michaels retiring? Iconic NFL announcer has had it with ‘grim’ Thursday Night Football stinkfests
Thursday Night Football has been underwhelming for NFL fans thus far in the 2022 season. These games can now be seen exclusively on Amazon Prime with legendary announcer Al Michaels in the booth. However, Michaels, who's called over some of the biggest NFL games of all time, could be leaning towards retirement.
In an interview with Waddle & Silvy on ESPN radio in Chicago, Michaels said these games on Thursday night have been hard to watch:
"If we don’t have a better game than we had last Thursday, then I may retire. I’ve done pretty close to 800 NFL games, and with all due respect, guys are trying. I understand and we all know that, but that was grim.”
“If we don’t have a better game than we had last Thursday, then I may retire,” Al Michaels said to Waddle & Silvy. “I’ve done pretty close to 800 NFL games, and with all due respect, guys are trying. I understand and we all know that, but that was grim.”
For someone of Michaels' stature to call out the performances we've seen so far on Amazon Prime is damning. The iconic broadcaster left this year after calling games for Sunday Night Football since its inception in 2006. Prior to NBC, he was on ABC's Monday Night Football from 1986 to 2005, Michaels has also called 11 Super Bowls, the most of any announcer. Al Michaels may have a point, given the last two NFL games shown on the primetime Thursday slot.
The last two games on Thursday Night Football are ones to forget
The most recent Thursday Night matchup saw Carson Wentz and the Washington Commanders face Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears. The first game of Week 6 saw the Commanders defeat the Bears by a score of 12 - 7.
The game the week before really annoyed some NFL fans as the Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos game provided zero touchdowns. It was a battle of the kickers as the Colts won the game 12 - 9 in overtime. It's one thing to watch the games but Michaels has to call these games.
At this rate, the 77-year-old could retire at halftime when the New Orleans Saints face the Arizona Cardinals next Thursday night. In all likelihood, Week 7 should be a much better game. The Cardinals can be explosive and the Saints have a high scoring game in them.
Keep the faith everyone, as Thursday Night Football can only get better.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Waddle & Silvy and H/T Sportskeeda.