Kirk Herbstreit and Al Michaels. Photo Credit: Prime Video Photo Credit: Prime Video
By Arthur Weinstein on

Al Michaels’ performance on Thursday Night Football this week can be summed up in one priceless few seconds of commentary late in the first half.

As the New York Jets led the New England Patriots 14-3 in the final seconds of the half, the Amazon Prime camera cut to a shot of the moon.

Within a span of less than 15 seconds, Michaels managed to talk about a Harvest Moon and Supermoon, impersonate former ABC broadcaster Keith Jackson and talk about possums “running around with all the rats Mayor (Eric) Adams is trying to get rid of.”

About a minute later, as Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein lined up for a field-goal attempt, Michaels mentioned a clutch kick he made a few years ago.

Zuerlein naturally missed his field-goal attempt. If you believe in the announcer jinx phenomenon, this certainly qualified.


Michaels had something to say on a number of subjects during the game. Talking about Bill Belichick’s busy media career, Michaels noted, “He has wrested the throne of King of All Media from Howard Stern.”


Michaels even got in a nod to baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, who had an historic day Thursday.


“I don’t think he gets the love that he deserves,” color analyst Kirk Herbstreit said.

“I live out west — he’s getting a lot of love,” Michaels said.

The veteran announcer missed some things Thursday night. Early in the fourth quarter, the Jets recovered a Patriots fumble, and Michaels seemed confused on the play.

Thursday night wasn’t the best, or the worst, performance in the Amazon Prime chapter of Michaels’ career. But anyone who can find a way to mention moon phases, Keith Jackson and rats in New York City, all in a 10-second span, still has interesting moments.

[Amazon Prime]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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