Kirk Herbstreit and Al Michaels.Kirk Herbstreit and Al Michaels (Photo via Amazon Prime Video)
Plenty of NFL fans voiced their displeasure with Al Michaels’ performance in the broadcast booth during the San Francisco 49ers-Los Angeles Rams “Thursday Night Football” game, with some even calling for him to retire.

Though he’s unquestionably one of the greatest sports commentators ever, many fans have been disappointed with the 80-year-old in the booth this season. Many fans panned Al Michaels’ performance in the Washington Commanders-Green Bay Packers Week 2 game, Amazon Prime Video’s first broadcast of the 2025 season.

Well, the criticism against Michaels mounted during Thursday’s pivotal NFC West clash between the 49ers and Rams, who entered the game with identical 3-1 records.

In one instance, Michaels was confused when Mac Jones hit Demarcus Robinson for a big gain in the first quarter. Michaels incorrectly stated that the play was coming back because of a penalty when Josaiah Stewart of the Rams was called for roughing the passer.

After referee Bill Vinovich made the call, Michaels seemed confused about the 49ers moving up the field:

Fans were rather ruthless with their takes on Michaels last night:

“Al Michaels is absolutely awful. An epic Thursday Night Football game in which he didn’t seem to understand a single thing that was happening,” one fan said.


“It’s time for A.I. Michaels,” wrote another.

“Retirement time is looming for Al,” said a user.

“Might be time for him to call it retirement because yikes…,” a fan commented.


“Al Michaels seemed unwell tonight,” another said.

“Al Michaels in 2025 is Celtics Shaq,” a fan wrote.


Last year, Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported that Michaels is taking it “year-by-year.” His initial three-year deal with Amazon Prime Video expired after last season, Marchand noted.

Fans Will Miss Al Michaels When He Retires

Al Michaels with his arms openAl Michaels (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Michaels may not be as energetic and sharp as he was some years ago, but fans who want him to retire should appreciate the icon while he’s still in the broadcast booth. When Michaels retires, football broadcasts will never feel the same.

As great as Joe Buck (ESPN), Kevin Burkhardt (Fox Sports), Mike Tirico (NBC) and Jim Nantz (CBS) are, their careers don’t span as long as that of Michaels. His career began in 1971, and he has called just about everything, including Super Bowls, World Series showdowns, the NBA Finals, the Olympics and the Kentucky Derby.

Retirement will arrive sooner rather than later, but fans should just enjoy the presence of Al Michaels in their living rooms while he’s still going.