Al Michaels has called some of the most iconic moments in sports history - from the Miracle on Ice to Super Bowl classics - but this season, fans have been more focused on what they aren’t hearing from the legendary broadcaster.
The latest example came on Christmas night, when Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix connected with RJ Harvey for a go-ahead touchdown in the final two minutes. It was a dramatic moment, the kind that usually prompts a spike in energy from the booth.
But Michaels, now 81 and calling games for Amazon Prime Video, kept his call relatively subdued. A slight uptick in volume, sure - but not much more.
The reaction online was swift and familiar. Fans have been voicing concerns throughout the season that Michaels’ play-by-play delivery has lost some of its trademark punch. And while it’s easy to pile on with jokes and hot takes, the conversation around Michaels is a little more layered than just calling for a changing of the guard.
First off, not every great call needs to be shouted. Some of the best broadcasters know when to step back and let the moment breathe.
Michaels has made a career out of that subtlety - knowing when to let the crowd noise carry the emotion, when to pause, when to let the game speak for itself. That kind of restraint is rare, and for decades, it’s been part of what made him one of the best in the business.
But it’s also fair to acknowledge that time catches up with everyone. At 81, it’s natural that Michaels might not have quite the same rhythm or responsiveness he once did. There have been moments this season where he’s appeared a beat behind the action, and fans have noticed.
Social media has been buzzing with critiques, some more pointed than others. One widely shared post described Michaels as sounding “like a school librarian,” while another suggested it might be time for him to step away from the mic. That sentiment has grown louder in recent weeks, especially in games with big moments that felt like they deserved a bigger reaction.
Still, this is Al Michaels we’re talking about. His resume is unmatched, and his place in sports broadcasting history is secure. Whether or not he returns next season will likely be his decision - and his alone.
But as the season winds down, it’s clear that fans will be watching (and listening) closely.