The tradeoff? Michaels is no longer paired with Collinsworth, who remains with NBC. Michaels’ new partner is Kirk Herbstreit, whom most fans know for his analysis of the college game.
MORE: How much will Al Michaels make in ‘Thursday Night Football’ contract?
The Sporting News looks at the events that helped bring Michaels to the “Thursday Night Football” broadcast and separate from Collinsworth:
Why isn’t Cris Collinsworth calling games with Al Michaels?
Instead, he remains with NBC, which he initially joined in 1990, left in 1998 and returned to in 2006 — the same year the network took over “Sunday Night Football” from ESPN. Three years later, Collinsworth replaced legendary coach and commentator John Madden on the “SNF” broadcast to pair with Michaels, who had held the play-by-play role since 2006.
MORE: Why Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit teamed up for ‘TNF’ broadcasts
Why did Al Michaels leave NBC?
Who is Al Michaels’ broadcast partner on ‘Thursday Night Football’?
Herbstreit reportedly shied away from working NFL games because he never played in the league, something that caused him to think fans may question his credibility. However, Herbstreit wowed NFL viewers on a “Monday Night Football” call with Chris Fowler and again in a Saturday night NFL doubleheader in January.
“The hiring of an experienced duo in Michaels and Herbstreit aims to show Prime Video’s commitment to providing the same kind of viewing experience NFL fans have been accustomed to on network television,” the statement read.
Herbstreit told the Post that he is excited to give fans the same viewing experience as they have come to expect from him on college games.
“It’s going to be an incredible broadcast," Herbstreit said, “and I’m going to do everything I can to hold up my end of the bargain and try to make it one of the best booths in television.”
MORE: Collinsworth explains why the ‘Collinsworth Slide’ is no more
Will Cris Collinsworth, Al Michaels ever call games again?
It’s possible Collinsworth and Michaels will call NFL games again, though not as frequently as in previous seasons.
Michaels’ contract with NBC may have ended following Super Bowl 56, but his status as one of football’s most respected voices allowed him to keep an “emeritus” role with NBC Sports. That means he will work NBC broadcasts of high-profile events, including the NFL playoffs, the Olympics and, presumably, “Sunday Night Football.”
“Revered by viewers and colleagues, Al has been the soundtrack for many of the greatest moments in sports television history,” NBC Sports chairman Pete Bevacqua said in a statement. “We are thrilled that he’s staying in the family and raising the stature of our events for years to come.”
Said Michaels of the arrangement:
For now, NBC’s “SNF” broadcast will consist of Collinsworth and Mike Tirico, Michaels’ replacement. If NBC deems an event big enough for Michaels to fill in, he will do so in somewhat of a role reversal with Tirico. Since Tirico’s move to NBC in 2016, he filled in for Michaels whenever Michaels had a week off.
As for what games might warrant a return by Michaels, they include two wild-card games and one divisional-round game in the 2023 NFL playoffs. The season may also produce enticing “Sunday Night Football” matchups, as well.
