Al Michaels, a long-time fixture in NBC’s NFL coverage, will be notably absent from calling playoff games for the network for the first time since 2006. The news, confirmed by NBC to The Associated Press and first reported by the New York Post, marks a change in the broadcasting lineup for the upcoming NFL playoffs.
Michaels, 79, served as the voice of “Sunday Night Football” from 2006 until 2021, after which he departed for Amazon Prime Video’s Thursday night package when his contract concluded. Over the years, he has lent his iconic voice to 11 Super Bowls, including five for NBC.
While Michaels won’t be calling playoff games this year, he retains an announcer emeritus role at NBC. Last year, he returned to the booth to call an AFC wild card game alongside analyst Tony Dungy, witnessing the Jacksonville Jaguars stage a remarkable comeback against the Los Angeles Chargers.
NBC’s wild card round, scheduled for January 14-16, features three games, with one being streamed on Peacock. The Sunday night crew of Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will handle two games, while Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge, who recently completed their first season together covering Big Ten games for NBC, will call the other. Additionally, Eagle and Blackledge will be on the mic for the Saturday matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals.