Al Michaels Hopes to Return to ‘Thursday Night Football’ Next Season

Al Michaels, the respected play-by-play announcer, expressed optimism about returning to ‘Thursday Night Football’ (TNF) next season. Currently 81 years old, Michaels has been a prominent figure in NFL broadcasting since 1975.
Contract Details and Future Prospects
Michaels signed a three-year agreement to announce TNF for Amazon Prime Video in 2022. After the contract ends following the 2024 season, he secured a one-year extension for 2025. This arrangement is set to be evaluated annually moving forward.
During a recent interview on SI Media With Jimmy Traina, Michaels stated, “I feel really good right now. It’s been a good year. A lot of fun.” He emphasized his enjoyment working with the crew and his desire to return for the 2026 season.
Current Workload and Team Dynamics
- Michaels and his co-host Kirk Herbstreit have built a solid partnership.
- Herbstreit is contracted through next season, having signed a five-year deal in 2022.
- The NFL has improved the quality of games for TNF, with a robust schedule for the rest of the season.
Playoff Coverage
For the second consecutive year, Michaels and Herbstreit will cover a wild-card playoff game. This highlights the duo’s growing prominence within the sport, showcasing their capability to handle significant playoff matchups.
Fans interested in listening to Michaels’ insights can tune into the SI Media With Jimmy Traina podcast available on platforms like Apple and Spotify. The future remains promising as Michaels gears up for the next season of Thursday Night Football on El-Balad.




