When Amazon Prime secured the exclusive rights to broadcast the NFL’s “Thursday Night Football” games starting in the 2022 season, it had to assemble an entire on-air team from scratch. The massive company aimed high and successfully recruited seasoned professionals for various roles in the pregame show, on the sidelines, and in the announcer booth. One significant addition to their lineup was Al Michaels, a play-by-play announcer with a storied career in broadcasting. At 77 years old, Michaels brought unmatched experience, having called games for major networks like ABC, NBC, and CBS for over 50 years. His resume included iconic events such as Super Bowls, World Series games, the Kentucky Derby, the “Miracle on Ice” game, and more. Michaels’ expertise made him a valuable asset for Amazon as they sought to establish credibility in sports broadcasting. He signed a three-year contract with the network, and their partnership has been successful. Reports suggest that Amazon and Michaels are likely to continue collaborating, even as the legendary broadcaster enters his 80s. Here’s an overview of Michaels’ contract, age, and his move to Amazon:
– Contract Details: According to a report by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Michaels is set to return to the “Thursday Night Football” broadcast with Amazon Prime in 2025. Moving forward, the plan is to assess their relationship on an annual basis.
– Age: Michaels turned 80 years old on November 12, 2024. Given his age, it’s understandable that he prefers year-to-year evaluations of his work.
– Departure from NBC: After serving as the lead play-by-play commentator for NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” from 2006 to 2021, Michaels left the network when his contract ended. NBC chose not to renew his deal for 2022 and beyond, as they had already designated Mike Tirico as his successor. Michaels transitioned to Amazon but maintained ties with NBC through an “NBC Emeritus” agreement, allowing him to contribute to the network despite his new role.
In summary, Al Michaels’ move to Amazon Prime marked a significant shift in his broadcasting journey, showcasing his enduring talent and continued relevance in the industry.
In a recent development reported by USA TODAY, veteran sportscaster Al Michaels is set to finalize a new contract with Amazon as the esteemed commentator for “Thursday Night Football” (TNF). The partnership between Michaels and Amazon marks an exciting collaboration that is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the world of sports broadcasting.
