Al Michaels is in the commentary booth for the NFL clash between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles, but fans are not happy with the legendary announcer
02:23 ET, 10 Oct 2025
Saquon Barkley looks on
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Al Michaels kept getting Saquon Barkley's move to the Eagles wrong(Image: Getty)
Prime Video subscribers have had their fill of Al Michaels during the Philadelphia Eagles versus New York Giants matchup.
The iconic commentator celebrates his 81st birthday next month, and numerous viewers think it's time for him to step away from the microphone and enjoy retirement. The Giants welcomed the Eagles to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and many felt that the commentary team, including Kirk Herbstreit, lacked energy and excitement.
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Additionally, Michaels repeatedly mischaracterized how Saquon Barkley joined the Eagles, leaving countless viewers at home feeling exasperated. This development follows an ESPN analyst's unexpected departure announcement. The news emerges as Al Michaels recently made his feelings clear on a ‘bitter’ colleague he used to work with.
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Countless fans tuning in think Michaels should finally step down, reports the Express US.
Al Michaels smiling
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Al Michaels has been told by fans to step down and retire(Image: Getty)
Multiple viewers turned to X to directly state: "Al Michaels needs to retire."
Another took a more detailed approach, declaring: "Al Michaels please retire we are begging. That was probably one of the most important plays for the Giants in years and Al sounded like he woke up from sleep."
Others argued that the broadcast fell short of thrilling, with one NFL enthusiast declaring: "Al Michaels and Herbstreit are so boring to listen to on TNF."
Another viewer drew a comparison to Shaquille O'Neal's stint with the Boston Celtics, declaring, "Al Michaels is so unbelievably washed. Like this goes beyond Celtics Shaq levels."
One fan took to social media to voice their opinion, stating, "Al Michaels has had a great career. But his delivery on TNF is dull, uninspiring and boring. Kirk added to save him but it's not working. Who's next to replace Al?".
Another viewer suggested a solution, saying, "Put Al Michaels on a random 1:00 game on Sunday if he wants to keep commentating. He's making these Thursday games so boring."
Michaels made an error when he repeatedly stated that Barkley was traded to the Eagles. In reality, the running back was a free agent - a fact that didn't sit well with Giants fans.
"And then, the trade," Michaels said. "The infamous deal. Off he went to Philadelphia of all places."
He quickly corrected himself, adding, "I said a trade; he signed as a free agent. The Giants only wish they'd gotten something for him."
However, viewers were quick to point out his mistake. One viewer asked, "Why in the world does Al Michaels KEEP saying the 'Barkley trade' Saquon was NOT traded Al!".
Another frustrated viewer questioned, "Why does Al Michaels continue to say the 'Saquan Barkley trade'? My goodness."
A different viewer was more blunt, posting, "Someone tell that bag of bones Al Michaels Saquon Barkley wasn't traded."
Despite the criticism, Michaels still has some supporters.
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"Al Michaels is a national treasure," one viewer posted. "This man has been calling pro football games for many decades."
Another viewer commented, "Tonight's TNF broadcast is a perfect reminder why I tune out-the exhausting, over-the-top narrative creation that wafts off star power instead of analyzing actual performance. They're handing out 'Gold Jackets' like free toilet paper. I'll tolerate the noise for as long as we have the legend Al Michaels in the booth."