Al Michaels is a household name in sports broadcasting, with a career that spans over five decades. Known for his iconic calls of some of the most memorable moments in sports history, including the “Miracle on Ice” during the 1980 Winter Olympics and the earthquake-interrupted World Series in 1989, Michaels has solidified himself as one of the most influential voices in television. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated to be $40 million, a figure that reflects his long and successful career in sports broadcasting. In this article, we delve into his journey from a young Brooklyn native to one of the most revered broadcasters in the history of sports.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Al Michaels was born on November 12, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a family that appreciated sports, Michaels developed a passion for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and his love for baseball fueled his career aspirations. His family moved to Los Angeles in 1958, the same year the Dodgers left Brooklyn for California, which would prove to be a significant chapter in Michaels’ life.
Michaels attended Arizona State University, where he majored in radio and television with a minor in journalism. During college, he worked as a sports writer for the State Press, the university’s independent student newspaper, and served as the announcer for Sun Devils’ football, basketball, and baseball games. His early exposure to broadcasting helped him hone his skills and laid the groundwork for his future career.
After college, Michaels started his professional journey in television with Chuck Barris Productions, where he worked on The Dating Game. However, his first sports-related job was as a public relations assistant for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1964. He was quickly fired after just four games, but this setback didn’t stop Michaels from pursuing his passion for broadcasting.
The Road to Sports Broadcasting Success
In 1968, Michaels moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where he resumed his broadcasting career as a sports anchor at KHVT-TV. His work covering the Hawaii Islanders baseball team earned him recognition, and by 1969, he had been named Hawaii’s Sportscaster of the Year. This recognition marked the beginning of a career that would span multiple decades and encompass numerous sports.
Michaels’ big break came in 1971 when he became the play-by-play announcer for the Cincinnati Reds. His role expanded in 1972 when he covered the Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan, for NBC Sports. In 1973, after the sudden death of NBC’s Bill Enis, Michaels was brought in to announce NFL games, officially launching his career in professional football broadcasting. By 1974, he was also covering basketball for UCLA and baseball for the San Francisco Giants, further expanding his expertise in various sports.
ABC and NBC Career: Defining Moments
Michaels’ career took a significant leap forward when he signed with ABC Sports in 1977. Over the next three decades, he became a staple on the network, calling everything from Monday Night Football to Major League Baseball, college football, the Olympic Games, and even ice hockey. His versatility as a sports broadcaster made him one of the most prominent figures in the industry.
One of Michaels’ most iconic moments occurred during the 1980 Winter Olympics, when he delivered the now-famous line, “Do you believe in miracles?!” after the U.S. hockey team’s stunning upset of the Soviet Union. This moment, which is still remembered as one of the greatest in sports history, solidified Michaels as a legendary voice in sports broadcasting.
Another unforgettable moment in Michaels’ career occurred in 1989 when an earthquake hit San Francisco just before Game 3 of the World Series between the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants. Michaels was broadcasting the game live when the earthquake struck, and his calm and witty response to the disaster, including his famous line, “Well folks, that’s the greatest open in the history of television, bar none,” earned him an Emmy nomination for his coverage.
In 2006, Michaels made the move to NBC after leaving ABC, continuing his role as the face of Sunday Night Football. His ability to deliver both play-by-play commentary and in-depth analysis made him a go-to broadcaster for some of the most significant events in sports. He continued to cover major sports events, including multiple Super Bowl broadcasts, until 2022, when he signed a landmark deal with Amazon to broadcast Thursday Night Football.
Al Michaels’ Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Al Michaels’ net worth is estimated to be $40 million. A large part of this wealth comes from his decades-long career in broadcasting, during which he became one of the highest-paid sportscasters. At NBC, Michaels earned an annual salary of $8 million for his role as the lead commentator on Sunday Night Football. However, his most recent financial milestone came in 2022 when he signed a three-year, $33 million deal with Amazon to call Thursday Night Football. This deal significantly boosted his net worth, and he continues to be a major figure in sports broadcasting.
Accolades and Recognition
Throughout his career, Al Michaels has earned numerous accolades and awards, cementing his place as one of the best in the industry. He has won five Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality (Play-by-Play Host) and has been named National Sportscaster of the Year three times by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. In addition to these honors, Michaels was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2013 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.
Michaels’ contribution to sports broadcasting has also been recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where he was presented with the Pete Rozelle Radio & Television Award in 2013 for his exceptional work in NFL broadcasting.
Personal Life
Al Michaels married Linda Michaels in 1966, and the couple has two children, Jennifer and Steven. Steven Michaels is the President and CEO of Asylum Entertainment, an independent film company. The family resides in Los Angeles, where Al Michaels has lived for many years. Despite his fame, Michaels maintains a relatively low profile and enjoys spending time with his family.
In 2013, Michaels faced some legal troubles when he was arrested for driving under the influence. He pleaded no contest to a reduced charge of reckless driving and was sentenced to probation and community service. This incident, however, did little to tarnish his reputation in the broadcasting world, where he remains a respected figure.
Final Thought
Al Michaels’ remarkable career in sports broadcasting has made him a legend in the industry. From his unforgettable calls at the 1980 Winter Olympics to his recent work with Amazon’s Thursday Night Football, Michaels has continued to captivate audiences with his unique style and deep knowledge of the game. With a net worth of $40 million and a legacy that spans over five decades, Al Michaels is undoubtedly one of the most influential sports broadcasters of all time.
