During Thursday night’s preseason game between the Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots, Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit gave fans a preview of the Amazon Prime broadcast for the 2026-27 NFL season.
During a commercial break, cameras panned over Cleveland, including a view of Lake Erie, as the Browns hosted the Thursday Night matchup. Michaels jumped on the chance to mock the recent controversy over President Donald Trump’s renaming of the Great Lakes.
Al Michaels: “That is Lake Erie. We think it is still called Lake Erie… We’re not quite sure at this point. But we’ll be by Lake something like Ontario or whatever it’s going to be called by the time we get to Buffalo. Anyway, you know what I’m talking about… Read the news.” https://t.co/95yBtkta2U pic.twitter.com/zqOHbR7sST
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 28, 2026
“That is Lake Erie. We think it is still called Lake Erie…we’re not quite sure at this point, but we’ll be by Lake something like Ontario or whatever it’s going to be called by the time we get to Buffalo,” Michaels said.
“Anyway, you know what I’m talking about; some of you do…read the news.”
The slight stemmed from an executive order signed by Trump that plans to change the name of Lake Ontario to Lake America due to the trade wars between Canada and the United States currently.
Fans loved the jab from Michaels against President Trump and posted on socials in admiration.
“I’ve seen enough. Al Michaels comeback season. Top of his game!” one fan posted on X.
“An Al Michaels that knows he’s retiring soon could be something special,” another wrote.
“Good for Al Michaels… so glad he did this! Not only is Al a class act and a fantastic long-time broadcaster, but EVERYBODY I talked to or texted yesterday thinks Trump is a moron for this. NOBODY except Trump sycophants will call Ontario “Lake America”. Just so stupid!” someone else added.
With the NFL season approaching, it’s great to hear Michael in mid-season form.
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