Al Michaels drew criticism for multiple on-air errors, including misidentifying players, just minutes into Thursday's Falcons-Packers broadcast on Amazon Prime Video
Al Michaels has faced criticism during his time with Amazon Prime Video
Al Michaels has faced criticism during his time with Amazon Prime Video(Image: Getty)
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Al Michaels drew immediate criticism from viewers just minutes into Thursday night's broadcast of the Falcons-Packers matchup on Prime Video, with fans quickly flagging multiple on-air errors and openly questioning whether the veteran broadcaster should still be calling games.
The mistakes piled up fast during Atlanta's opening drive, Michael Penix Jr.'s first game action since tearing his ACL in Week 11 last season. Michaels incorrectly stated that Penix attended Oregon, when in reality the Falcons quarterback played collegiately at Washington.
Moments later, running back Bijan Robinson was referred to as "Brian Robinson" on air. This mix-up quickly caught fans' attention, given Robinson's status as the clear focal point of Atlanta's offense entering the night. It comes after Michaels took another swipe at Donald Trump last week.
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Michaels also appeared to misidentify wide receiver Bryan Cissé at another point during the drive, and misstated Atlanta's field position, saying the Falcons were on the Green Bay 49-yard line when they were actually still on their own 49.
The string of errors drew swift reaction online. "Been 1 minute and Al Michaels said Penix went to Oregon, called Bijan (Brian) and called Cissé Brian lol," one fan wrote. Another fan expressed a mix of affection and concern. "I love Al Michaels, but he is shot in the booth."
Others were more blunt. "Al Michaels needs help. He's been wrong so many times so far," one viewer wrote, while another added, "Al Michaels needs to hang it up man haha. He doesn't even try to pronounce anything correctly."
Al Michaels officially joined Amazon in March 2022
Al Michaels officially joined Amazon in March 2022(Image: Getty)
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The criticism comes amid a broader pattern of scrutiny Michaels has faced throughout his tenure calling Thursday Night Football for Amazon Prime Video since 2022, with viewers previously flagging what they've described as a lack of energy and sharpness during broadcasts.
Michaels, one of the most decorated play-by-play voices in American sports broadcasting history, remains a fixture of the NFL's national broadcast rotation despite the recurring criticism.
Michael's broadcast miscues came during an eventful opening quarter on the field. Green Bay struck first when Jordan Love capped a nine-play, 82-yard drive with a touchdown pass to Christian Watson, his fourth of the season, tying him with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the NFL lead.
Al Michaels has been broadcasting for over 55 years
Al Michaels has been broadcasting for over 55 years(Image: Getty)
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Penix, making his long-awaited return, started slowly, going just 2-for-7 for 22 yards with an interception and an intentional grounding penalty through the first quarter.
But Bijan Robinson single-handedly dragged Atlanta back into the game, breaking off a 55-yard run, the third-longest of his career, to set up his own 3-yard touchdown two plays later and tie the score at 7-7 after one quarter.
Robinson finished the opening frame with 90 of Atlanta's 110 total yards, propping up an offense that was otherwise struggling badly behind its returning quarterback.
With the Falcons already carrying a league-worst minus-7 turnover margin on the season entering the night, Atlanta's ability to lean on Robinson while Penix works through the rust could prove critical as the game and Michaels' shaky night in the booth continue.