Legendary sports broadcaster Al Michaels is pushing back against a growing chorus of critics calling for his retirement. At 81 years old, the voice behind Amazon Prime Video's flagship NFL coverage insists he is not ready to step away from the microphone, despite increased scrutiny over on-air mistakes and perceived lapses in enthusiasm.
Facing the Criticism Head-On
Al Michaels, whose iconic career spans decades and includes calling multiple Super Bowls, finds himself under the social media microscope. Fans have been vocal about recent errors, such as misidentifying Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson during a December broadcast. Others have questioned his energy levels during crucial game moments, sparking recurring debates online about whether it's time for him to retire.
However, Michaels addressed this criticism directly in a recent conversation with sports radio host Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo. He outlined his personal criteria for stepping down. "I always felt, 'I'll go as long as I can or I'm wanted,' but I have to be able to know that I can do the game at the level that satisfies me," Michaels stated. He added that if he ever feels he is not performing to his own standards, that would be the time to leave. "I don't feel that way right now," he emphatically declared.
Strong Viewership and Personal Confidence
Michaels pointed to tangible success metrics to bolster his case for continuing. He highlighted the substantial audience numbers for Prime Video's NFL broadcasts, including a Christmas night game that attracted roughly 21 million viewers. These figures, he suggests, are proof that the broadcast continues to resonate with a massive audience.
His stance is consistent with comments made earlier in the 2025 season to Sports Illustrated, where he expressed feeling "really good" and openness to returning if Amazon wanted him. Michaels acknowledges the decision is mutual but stresses his own desire to continue calling games remains strong. He emphasizes that his passion for the job and his belief in meeting his own high-performance benchmarks have not faded.
What Comes Next for the Broadcasting Icon?
Despite the vocal segment of fan backlash, there has been no public indication from Prime Video that a change in the lead commentary role is imminent. The platform has drawn massive audiences with its NFL coverage, and playoff games are on the horizon, keeping Michaels firmly in the national spotlight.
For now, Al Michaels remains the lead voice for Prime Video's NFL coverage, confident in his abilities and determined not to let external pressure dictate the conclusion of his storied broadcasting career. The veteran announcer is choosing to focus on the game, the audience, and his own internal gauge of excellence as he prepares for the next broadcast.
