Al Michaels Struggles with “Thursday Night Football” Broadcast

Al Michaels seems to be having a tough time keeping up with the latest “Thursday Night Football” broadcasts.

The broadcasting icon, known for covering epic sports moments like the 1980 Winter Olympics and the infamous Malcolm Butler interception at the 2015 Super Bowl, found little glory in the recent 23-20 overtime victory of the 49ers over the Rams.

Together with his colleague from Amazon, Kirk Hubstrate, Michaels appeared somewhat bewildered as Mac Jones connected with DeMarcus Robinson on two timing routes, which was overshadowed by a penalty flag thrown in the first quarter.

Michaels anticipated a holding penalty based on the flag’s location.

After the official clarified that it was actually a penalty for roughing the passer, a 15-yard penalty was tacked on, advancing the ball to the 41-yard line.

“This is back,” Michaels remarked as he grappled with the unfolding situation. “Wait a second, did you just call it legal through replay assist?”

This wasn’t the only misstep he made during the broadcast.

At 80 years old, Michaels confused players as well, mistakenly referring to Colton McKibitz as “Connor McKibitz.”

Later on, during a critical fourth down for the 49ers in overtime, he inaccurately stated that Kylen Williams had made a significant run when, in reality, he was stopped just shy of the first down marker.

Additionally, Michaels seemed to think that the Rams would need to rely on silent counting at their home field, despite the fact that they regularly use it—something they had indeed already implemented in that very game.

Michaels remains under contract with Amazon Prime on an annual basis; although his current deal was set to expire at the end of the 2024 season, it was renewed this year.