The days of Al Michaels calling NFL playoff games on NBC appear to be over.
Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reported Tuesday that Michaels is no longer part of NBC’s NFL playoff coverage.
With a career spanning decades at both ABC and NBC, Michaels has provided viewers the voice behind some of sports most iconic moments including his call during the “Miracle on Ice” during the US Hockey team’s Cinderella run during the 1980 Winter Olympics.
Michaels recently joined the NFL’s new partnership with Amazon Prime Video calling Thursday Night Football on the streaming service.
Michaels is a beloved figure in the American sports world and has gained a reputation for combining knowledge, passion and professionalism. Michaels signed a reported three-year $45 million deal with Amazon last year and is in his second season calling Thursday Night Football after moving on from NBC’s Sunday Night Football.
NBC’s decision to replace Michaels with voices like Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge reflects a trend within the sports broadcasting industry. Established broadcasters are increasingly making way for different talent as viewer preferences evolve. While NFL ratings remain high, the networks and streaming services are doing all they can to stay ahead of consumer habits amid the impact of social media shaping the future of the NFL on both television and streaming platforms.
Taking over for Michaels for Wild Card weekend games are Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge. While Eagle may be relatively new to the scene, he has already gained a strong following for his fresh approach and millennial perspective of the game. Eagle has called games for the Big Ten and even participated in the ground-breaking Nickelodeon kid-themed broadcasts helping grow the sport with kids 6-12. Eagle is also the backup voice of the Brooklyn Nets after spending two seasons as the voice of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Blackledge, a former NFL quarterback who has deep experience in analyzing both pro and college football, brings his deep understanding of the game and his seasoned approach to balance out Eagle’s contemporary style.