Kirk Herbstreit Defends Al Michaels From Gripes of On-Air Malaise by NFL Fans

Herbstreit rallied to the defense of his “Thursday Night Football” broadcast partner.

Kirk Herbstreit came to the defense of TV booth partner Al Michaels after NFL fans criticized the legendary broadcaster for his lack of enthusiasm on Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football.

Herbstreit posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, about his enjoyment calling the Thursday night slog between the Panthers and Bears in Chicago. Herbstreit wrote that calling a one-score game in the fourth quarter is a “win for a broadcaster.” 

His post was met with a reply from a follower asking whether Michaels felt the same way, a nod to the frequent critiques of Michaels’s announcing in recent years.

“Absolutely,” Herbstreit’s reply began. “Many of you are missing it with Al. He’s having a blast. That narrative isn’t accurate and is low hanging fruit for too many.”

Although Thursday Night Football doesn’t always provide the best matchups or the best quality of play (due to short weeks for the teams in action), it’s clear that Herbstreit enjoys calling games with Michaels. Herbstreit’s defense of his broadcast partner on social media is a clear sign of that.

The duo will be back on the air next Thursday for an important AFC North tilt between the Bengals and the Ravens in Baltimore. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium.