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Al Michaels may have multiple suitors for new NFL broadcasting role, per report
By Keith Farner
Published:
Al Michaels is a legendary broadcaster, but at this point in his career, the long-time NFL broadcaster may have multiple offers for his next contract.
Michaels, who is currently with NBC Sports, has been reported to be pursued by Amazon for its Thursday Night Football coverage, but now a report from Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reports that ESPN may get in the mix for Monday Night Football, and is contemplating a pursuit of Michaels.
The potential interest in returning Michaels, 77, to his TV football home — he was the longtime voice of MNF — comes as Michaels is deep into negotiations with Amazon Prime Video about becoming the main voice of its exclusive “Thursday Night Football” package that begins next fall, according to sources.
While Michaels’ negotiations have progressed with Amazon, there are still questions on whom Michaels would partner with at the streaming platform. That is to say the official’s arms have not been raised to the sky yet.
Michaels has been rumored to have interest from ESPN in the past when the network previously wanted to pair him with Tony Romo. Now, Michaels is a potential free agent after he calls the Super Bowl for NBC in less than 3 weeks. If he were to go with Amazon, he is expected to remain at NBC, but in a more limited role.
Marchand outlined a series of intriguing partner options for Michaels in the booth.
Cris Collinsworth is not expected to do double duty and NBC’s Drew Brees’ stock has diminished. Michaels has courted Fox’s Troy Aikman to potentially join him at Amazon. Aikman can opt out of his contract with FOX, where he and Joe Buck have been longtime partners.
Now, Michaels and Aikman could possibly make themselves a package deal if ESPN wants in. The just-retired Sean Payton is a possibility, but the names that would really draw interest are Rams coach Sean McVay, if he stepped down, or either Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers if they retire and somehow want to be broadcasters.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.