Written by: Grace Lee

Al Michaels: The Voice of American Sports

Al Michaels is synonymous with American sports, particularly the National Football League (NFL) and major sporting events. With a career spanning over five decades, Michaels has become the trusted voice of play-by-play commentary, covering iconic events like the Super Bowl, Olympics, and World Series.

Early Life and Education

Born on November 12, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York City, Michaels grew up in a Jewish family and developed an early passion for sports, particularly the Brooklyn Dodgers. After his family moved to Los Angeles in 1958, Michaels attended Alexander Hamilton High School and later graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in radio and television, minor in journalism.

Rise to Prominence

Michaels' career in television began with Chuck Barris Productions, where he selected contestants for "The Dating Game." His first sportscasting job came in 1967, working in public relations for the Los Angeles Lakers. He soon transitioned to calling play-by-play for the Hawaii Islanders, a minor league baseball team, and later covered sports for the Los Angeles Kings and UCLA Bruins.

Network Breakthrough

In 1971, Michaels joined ABC Sports, where he covered various events, including college football, tennis, and Olympic events. His big break came in 1986 when he replaced Frank Gifford as the play-by-play announcer for "Monday Night Football," a position he held for nearly two decades.

Famous Calls and Milestones

• "Do you believe in miracles?!" – Michaels' iconic call during the 1980 Winter Olympics' "Miracle on Ice" game between the US and Soviet Union hockey teams.
• He covered the earthquake-interrupted Game 3 of the 1989 World Series between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics.
• Michaels became the voice of "Sunday Night Football" on NBC in 2006, a role he held for 16 years.

Unconventional Trade

In 2006, Michaels made headlines when he was traded from ESPN to NBCUniversal in exchange for the rights to the animated character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. This unusual business transaction was met with good humor by Michaels.

Awards and Honors

• Five-time Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Play-by-Play Announcer
• National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame inductee
• Radio Television Digital News Association's (RTDNA) Paul White Award recipient

Legacy and Impact

Al Michaels' contributions to American sports broadcasting have been immense, with his voice becoming synonymous with major sporting events. He has inspired generations of sportscasters and continues to influence the way we experience sports on television.

Personal Milestones

• Michaels has been married to his wife, Linda, since 1966.
• He has two children, Jennifer and Steven.
• A member of the Sigma Nu fraternity during his college days.

As Al Michaels continues to thrive in his emeritus role with NBC Sports and Amazon Prime Video's "Thursday Night Football," his legacy as one of America's most beloved sportscasters remains unwavering.