Al Michaels: The Voice Behind The Greatest Moments In Sports

What’s Al Michaels’ Net Worth and Salary?

Let’s talk about Al Michaels, the iconic voice of sports broadcasting. With a net worth of $40 million, this guy isn’t just good at what he does—he’s legendary. Al Michaels has spent decades calling plays in everything from football to hockey, and he’s become a household name in the process. You might recognize his voice from his time on "Monday Night Football," where he spent nearly two decades thrilling fans with his play-by-play. But it’s not all about the NFL for Al. He’s been a part of some of the most memorable moments in sports history, like when he delivered the unforgettable line, “Do you believe in miracles?!” during the USA hockey team’s victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics. And let’s not forget that time in 1989 when an earthquake interrupted the World Series, and Al was there to keep us all calm and informed.

Al Michaels’ Salary: How Much Does the Legend Make?

So, how much does Al Michaels pull in? Well, during his time with NBC, he was raking in $8 million per year. But that’s not where the story ends. In 2022, Al signed a three-year, $33 million deal to join Amazon for "Thursday Night Football." That’s a pretty sweet deal if you ask me. It’s not just about the money though; it’s about the legacy. Al has been around long enough to know that his value goes beyond the numbers on a paycheck. He’s one of the most respected voices in sports, and he continues to inspire fans and broadcasters alike.

Al Michaels: The Early Days

Every great story has a beginning, and Al Michaels’ starts in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born on November 12, 1944. Growing up, Al was a huge fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, a team that would leave a lasting impression on him. In 1958, his family moved to Los Angeles, the same year the Dodgers left Brooklyn. But that didn’t stop Al from chasing his dreams. He went on to attend Arizona State University, where he majored in radio and television with a minor in journalism. While in college, he worked as a sports writer for "The State Press," ASU’s independent student newspaper, and even announced games for the Sun Devils on the campus radio station. Talk about getting your hands dirty early on! Al’s younger brother, David, is also a television producer, and he’s worked on some pretty big projects, including NBC’s Olympic coverage. Family ties run deep in the Michaels household.

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Getting His Start in Sports Broadcasting

Al’s journey into the world of sports broadcasting wasn’t exactly a straight line. His first job in television was with Chuck Barris Productions, where he helped choose women to appear on "The Dating Game." But let’s be honest, we’re here to talk about sports. In 1964, he landed his first sportscasting job, working public relations for the L.A. Lakers. Unfortunately, that gig only lasted four games, and he was out. But Al didn’t let that stop him. He moved to Honolulu in 1968 and resumed his broadcasting career, working as a sports anchor for KHVT-TV and calling play-by-play for the Hawaii Islanders baseball team. His hard work didn’t go unnoticed, and in 1969, he was named Hawaii’s Sportscaster of the Year. Not too shabby for a guy who got fired from his first job in the industry.

A Career on the Rise

By 1971, Al had made his way to Cincinnati, where he became the play-by-play announcer for the MLB team, the Cincinnati Reds. The following year, the Reds advanced to the World Series, and Al was there to help cover the Fall Classic for NBC Sports. That same year, he covered hockey at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. But things really took off for Al in 1973 when NBC announcer Bill Enis passed away just two days before announcing the regular-season NFL finale. Al was brought in to replace him, and the rest, as they say, is history. In 1974, he left the Reds for a position with the San Francisco Giants and also covered basketball for UCLA. By 1977, he had signed with ABC Sports, where he would spend the next 29 years covering just about every sport imaginable.

Over three decades with ABC, Al covered everything from "Monday Night Football" to the Olympics. He became a household name, and his voice became synonymous with some of the biggest moments in sports. But even legends move on, and in 2006, Al made the switch to NBC, where he continues to thrill audiences today.

Memorable Calls: The Magic of Al Michaels

Al Michaels has been there for some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history. One of his most iconic calls came during the "Miracle on Ice" at the 1980 Winter Olympics when he exclaimed, “Do you believe in miracles?!” It’s a moment that will live forever in sports lore. But that’s not the only time Al found himself in the middle of history. In 1989, he was on air during Game 3 of the World Series when an earthquake struck San Francisco. At 5:04 p.m. local time on October 17, 1989, the earthquake hit just as the game was about to begin. Al’s famous line, “I’ll tell you what, we’re having an earth—” was cut off as the network feed went dark. When ABC restored audio via telephone 15 seconds later, Al quipped, “Well folks, that’s the greatest open in the history of television, bar none!” He then reported from the ABC Sports production truck outside the ballpark, relaying his reports to Ted Koppel. For his efforts, Al was nominated for an Emmy Award for news broadcasting. That’s what I call staying cool under pressure.

Al Michaels’ Recent Work

For 20 seasons, Al Michaels was the voice of "Monday Night Football," but in 2006, he made the move to NBC to broadcast football on Sunday nights. This marked the end of his 20-year run on "Monday Night Football" and nearly 30 years of service with ABC. Al and his longtime partner, John Madden, began their new tenure at NBC in August 2006. On February 1, 2009, Al called his first Super Bowl telecast for NBC. He’s also been a key part of NBC’s Olympic coverage, serving as the official NBC Olympics Daytime Host in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016. Al continues to be a staple in sports broadcasting, and his work shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Accolades: A Legacy of Excellence

Al Michaels has received countless awards throughout his illustrious career. He’s won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality (Play-by-Play Host) five times and has been named the National Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association three times. In 1998, he was inducted into their Hall of Fame. Al has also been recognized as Sportscaster of the Year by the American Sportscasters Association and the "Washington Journalism Review." In 2004, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2013, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. That same year, he was awarded the Pete Rozelle Radio & Television Award, which honors long-time exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football. It’s safe to say Al Michaels has earned every accolade he’s received.

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Al Michaels’ Personal Life: A Family Man

When he’s not behind the mic, Al enjoys spending time with his family. He married Linda in August 1966, and together they have two children, Jennifer and Steven. Steven Michaels has followed in his father’s footsteps, serving as the President and CEO of independent film company Asylum Entertainment in Los Angeles. Like any family, they’ve had their ups and downs. In 2013, Al was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. He pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of reckless driving and was sentenced to probation plus 80 hours of community service. But through it all, Al has remained a beloved figure in the world of sports broadcasting.