If they ever carve out a Mount Rushmore of broadcasters, Al Michaels will have a spot on the rock.
The veteran broadcaster has been hailed as a pro’s pro, an influence on two generations of broadcasters, and a generally nice guy.
But just like Michael Jordan threw up an air ball now and then, and Patrick Mahomes has tossed a bad interception or two, Michaels makes mistakes. He made one on Amazon Prime’s Thursday Night Football, and many fans quickly tossed the 78-year-old broadcaster under the bus.
Talking about the 49ers’ rich history, Michaels said, “So you think about the 49ers, this is a franchise that has won four Super Bowls, Bill Walsh won two, George Seifert won two.”
The 49ers have actually won five Super Bowls, capping the 1981, 1984, 1988, 1989 and 1994 seasons.
"So you think about the 49ers, this is a franchise that has won four Super Bowls, Bill Walsh won two, George Seifert won two." – Al Michaels 🤔 pic.twitter.com/GkQNz8iTXU
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 22, 2023
The veteran broadcaster quickly realized his mistake and set the record straight a few minutes later. In a strange coincidence, Michaels actually served as the lead play-by-play announcer when the 49ers won that fifth Super Bowl in 1995.
To Al's credit, he gave the 49ers their Super Bowl win back later on. pic.twitter.com/NkS2rrmiEe
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 22, 2023
So, fans cut Michaels some slack for the honest mistake, right? Some did, others not so much.
It’s live TV. He made a mistake and corrected himself.
— Rob Roddy (@gannonknight) September 22, 2023
Ummmm…somebody tell Al Michaels that the @49ers have FIVE Lombardis pic.twitter.com/vXhwNpYJ2l
— Brian Renick 🗣️🎙️ (@brenick77) September 22, 2023
I know Al Michaels messed up the 49ers Super Bowl count. But he’s still dang good. Hasn’t declined nearly as much as, oh, Collinsworth and other stale NFL broadcasts. I like Kirk Herbstreit doing NFL and think he’s really helped the Michaels energy compared to 2 years ago.
— Justin A. Cohn (@SportsiCohn) September 22, 2023
Someone tell Al Michaels the 49ers have 5 Super Bowls
— Rob “Stats” Guerrera (@statsonfire on threads) (@StatsOnFire) September 22, 2023
I don't like the greatest broadcaster of my generation making so many mistakes. I'm not ok with this.
— Kevin Winter (@KevinPWinter) September 22, 2023
When he’s done calling games, I’ll really miss Al Michaels in the booth. I really enjoy listening to him. One of the most recognizable voices in all of sports.
— Ded TiBiase (@YellowSnwman) September 22, 2023
Sounds to me like Al Michaels should retire.
— Kei (@RealMamaEagle) September 22, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.