Prime Video’s Al Michaels continues to be one of the most iconic voices in the NFL, bringing his signature style to Thursday Night Football. As he prepares for his final broadcast of the season—a highly anticipated wild-card showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night—Michaels has made it clear that this won’t likely be the last time fans hear him in the booth.
During an appearance on The Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch, Michaels revealed that he is “leaning heavily” toward returning for the 2025 season, reaffirming his enduring passion for calling games.
“I am leaning very heavily in that direction, yes,” Michaels said when asked about his future plans. “First and foremost, I want to make sure I’m healthy enough, which I am right now as we’re recording this. Secondly, I need to ensure I still have the passion for it—and I know I do. Those two factors are key.”
Michaels, 79, also emphasized his deep appreciation for the Prime Video production team as a driving force behind his desire to continue. “I love the people I’m working with,” he shared. “Kirk [Herbstreit] and Kaylee [Hartung], who I work with during game presentations, are phenomenal. The pregame crew—Andrew Whitworth, Tony Gonzalez, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Charissa Thompson, who’s a fantastic host—they’re incredible. Apart from the on-air moments, we share so many laughs and so much joy. Why would I leave that if I still feel capable, healthy, and energized?”
While Michaels has occasionally expressed frustration with some of the lackluster matchups he’s been tasked with calling on Prime Video, he maintains that the camaraderie of the team and his love for the craft keep him coming back.
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“People say, ‘Why not retire and go play golf?’” Michaels continued. “I can play all the golf I want, Rich, and let me tell you, it’s diminishing returns these days. The truth is, I still get excited walking into a stadium. I still love doing what I do. And I’m my own worst critic—I never feel like I’ve called the perfect game. That pursuit, the challenge of it, is part of what drives me.”
Despite his storied career, Michaels insists he isn’t done chasing greatness. His perfectionism and passion for football broadcasting are as strong as ever. “If I felt I couldn’t do the game at the level I need to, I would step away,” he said. “But I still feel like I have more to offer, and as long as I do, I see no reason to stop.”
Fans can catch Michaels alongside Herbstreit on the call for Ravens vs. Steelers at 8 p.m. ET this Saturday, a game that promises to deliver the high-stakes drama Michaels has made his hallmark.
As he looks ahead to a potential return in 2025, Michaels is proving once again why he remains a legend in sports broadcasting.
