Legendary voice of American sports, calling iconic moments in football, baseball, and Olympics, with a career spanning over four decades.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
72 Years Old
Legendary sportscaster and Olympic commentator, known for his iconic voice and insightful analysis of major sporting events. He's the face and voice of American sports broadcasting.
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Lead play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball and the National Football League, known for his iconic voice and calling some of the most memorable moments in sports history.
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