Legendary broadcaster Al Michaels is set to return for another season of Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, a decision that has sparked debate among sports media. On Monday, WFAN hosts Gregg Giannotti and Boomer Esiason weighed in during their Boomer & Gio show, offering perspectives that ranged from reverent to critical.
Giannotti acknowledged Michaels’ storied career while questioning whether it’s time for him to step away.
“Al Michaels calling games just has to stop at this point. He’s been one of the world’s greatest broadcasters. I’ll have great memories of him for a very long time,” Giannotti said on WFAN Monday. While honoring Michaels’ legacy, he suggested the veteran announcer’s performance may have slipped in recent seasons.
“I just think that he has hung on a little bit too long. He doesn’t sound like himself any longer,” Giannotti added. “Maybe two years ago he did, last year not as much. Now I think it’s finally over for him. But he decided he’s going to come back next year, which I think is a mistake. If he wants to do it, he’s obviously earned that right.”
Giannotti also offered his opinion on potential successors for the Prime Video booth if Michaels were to change his mind in any fashion.
“When he decides to hang it up, I’d give it to Kevin Harlan. That’s what I would do. I mean, they want some energy? That would stand out,” he said on WFAN Monday, highlighting Harlan’s award winning persona and the importance of a dynamic presence he feels is needed on Thursday Night Football.
Michaels has served as the lead play-by-play voice for Amazon’s Thursday Night Football package since 2022, continuing a career that has made him one of the most recognizable and trusted figures in sports broadcasting. Last week, The Sports Business Journal reported Michaels is set to return for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.
Esiason, on the other hand from Giannotti, underscored the deference given to iconic figures like Michaels.
“When you’re legendary, you get to do this. You get to go as far as you want to go. As long as you’re good at what you do, and people can count on you being there and knowing the rules. Knowing how to get in and out of games and plays, and get to the commercials. Nobody does it better,” he said, framing Michaels’ longevity as a combination of skill and earned respect.
Michaels has called NFL games for several networks, including NBC’s Sunday Night Football and ABC’s Monday Night Football. His presence has been both celebrated and scrutinized, with some praising his consistency and experience while others question whether he can still deliver the high-energy broadcasts viewers expect.
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