Al Michaels appeared to lose track of the action during Thursday Night Football’s Bears-Patriots game, prompting a wave of criticism about whether the 81-year-old announcer is ready to step away from NFL broadcasts. Viewers noticed a string of errors from Michaels, who has publicly acknowledged 2026 might be his final season calling NFL games.
One of the most talked-about moments came at the end of the first half. As Rhamondre Stevenson broke through the Bears defense for a 48-yard touchdown with time expiring, Michaels’ commentary lacked urgency and excitement until Stevenson was nearly in the end zone. The Patriots’ improbable score was a wild finish to the half, but the broadcast felt muted in comparison.
Earlier in the game, Michaels mistakenly called a fumble that never occurred, confusing viewers and sparking jokes on social media. Fans shared clips of Michaels saying “The ball comes out” when no turnover had happened. Later, he also mixed up details off the field, incorrectly stating it had been 10 years since the Chicago Cubs won the World Series in Cleveland, when he meant the National League pennant. At another point, he referred to Drake Maye and Caleb Williams as part of the 2014 draft class instead of 2024.
Michaels also missed a crucial injury moment when D’Andre Swift took a helmet to the knee and had to leave the game briefly. These missteps added to a perception that Michaels’ usual sharpness is fading.
Michaels has been candid about his future. In early October, he told “The Dan Patrick Show” that after 41 years in NFL broadcasting, he would be fine if Amazon Prime Video decided to move on without him after this season. “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,” Michaels 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.’”
For some viewers, the time seems to have come. Social media responses ranged from disappointment to calls for Michaels’ retirement. One fan tweeted, “Scores the craziest last second touchdown in years and all that Al Michaels can muster up is ‘Look at him go.’” Another questioned, “Does Al Michaels have a pulse?” while others bluntly declared, “Al Michaels is cooked.”
Several fans focused on the phantom fumble Michaels called, with one writing, “I guess we are at the ‘Al Michaels completely invents a fumble’ portion of the program.” Another asked, “Did Al Michaels just hallucinate a fumble?”
Kirk Herbstreit, who shared the booth with Michaels, also faced criticism. A viewer commented, “Kirk Herbstreit and Al Michaels are horrible. Literally a snooze fest as a buzzer beater TD is scored to end the 1st half.”
Michaels’ subdued tone during the broadcast was a departure from the energy expected on such a dramatic play. The Patriots’ touchdown was among the most exciting moments of Week 7, yet the commentary failed to capture the full impact.
This broadcast was one of the last chances for Michaels to prove he can still deliver compelling NFL commentary. With the season progressing and Michaels nearing his 82nd birthday, his future with Amazon Prime Video and NFL broadcasts remains uncertain. No official announcements about his retirement have been made following Thursday’s game.
According to Yahoo Sports.