Al Michaels is a legend. And networks love to have legends on their roster.
The New York Post reported Tuesday ESPN is considering making a run at the 77-year-old play-by-play voice of Sunday Night Football.
It would be a return to the MNF booth if it happens for Michaels. He was the voice for those games from 1986 to 2005 before moving to NBC, where he has been since.
Michaels’ name has been prominently mentioned regarding Amazon’s broadcasts of Thursday Night Football, which will start in the 2022 NFL regular season.
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.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” is on the verge of something of a renaissance as in its new 11-year deal, it will add six ABC games and two Super Bowls. Its schedule is expected to remain very strong, as it soon adds some late-season flex games. Its expansion in games will necessitate needing an extra broadcast team.
ESPN is satisfied with its current No. 1 crew of Steve Levy, Brian Griese and Louis Riddick Jr. and was ecstatic over the reception of the Manningcast alternative broadcast this season. The network doesn’t feel like it is imperative to go after Michaels, but it remains intrigued.