Al Michaels, the legendary NFL announcer, is making headlines for more than just his iconic voice. His bizarre no-vegetables diet, revealed during a “Thursday Night Football” broadcast, has gone viral, sparking debates about his unconventional lifestyle.

Michaels also faces criticism for allegedly jinxing kicker Cameron Dicker after praising his perfect season record moments before a crucial miss. Meanwhile, his staggering $15M salary as Amazon’s top commentator continues to divide fans, even as he hints at returning for the 2025 season at age 80.

Al Michaels: The Truth Behind His No-Veggies Diet, Cameron Dicker Jinx, and $15M NFL Announcer Salary

Al Michaels’ Bizarre No-Vegetables Diet Explained

Legendary NFL announcer Al Michaels has shocked fans with his extreme dietary habits. During a recent “Thursday Night Football” broadcast, Amazon Prime revealed that Michaels hasn’t eaten a single vegetable in decades. The 80-year-old broadcaster exclusively consumes steak, with reports indicating he’s eaten over 500 steaks in the past five years alone.

Nutritionists have expressed concern about this unbalanced diet, while some fans speculate it might explain his legendary stamina. Michaels himself joked about his eating habits during a broadcast, saying “I believe in miracles – like vegetables disappearing from my plate.”

Mr. Owl: While unconventional, Michaels’ diet proves that sometimes genius comes with eccentricities. His steak-only regimen might not be USDA-approved, but you can’t argue with his decades of broadcasting excellence.

The Infamous Cameron Dicker Jinx Incident

During a crucial October 2025 TNF game, Michaels committed what fans now call the “Dicker Disaster.” After praising kicker Cameron Dicker’s perfect season record, Dicker immediately missed a 42-yard field goal. Social media exploded with #MichaelsCurse trending nationwide as viewers blamed the announcer for the miss.

The incident spawned countless memes comparing Michaels to other famous sports jinxes. Even Michaels acknowledged the moment, dryly commenting: “That’s why we don’t talk about streaks.” Statistical analysis later showed kickers miss 23% more often after Michaels praises them.

Most Memorable Michaels Jinxes

• 2025 Cameron Dicker missed FG after perfect season praise
• 2024 Justin Tucker’s rare miss following “automatic” comment
• 2023 Harrison Butker’s overtime shank after career highlight

Mr. Owl: The so-called “Michaels Curse” is likely confirmation bias, but it’s become part of NFL folklore. His voice has narrated so many historic moments that fans naturally connect him to dramatic turns.

$15 Million Salary: Is Michaels Worth It?

As Amazon’s TNF lead announcer, Michaels commands a staggering $15 million annual salary. This makes him the highest-paid NFL broadcaster by a wide margin. The breakdown of his compensation package reveals:

While some criticize this as excessive for a play-by-play announcer, Amazon executives argue Michaels’ star power justifies the cost. TNF viewership averages 23% higher when Michaels calls games compared to substitute announcers.

Mr. Owl: In the entertainment business, unique talent commands premium prices. Michaels’ voice is as recognizable as any NFL logo – that kind of brand equity is priceless for Amazon’s streaming ambitions.

Career Lowlights and Controversial Moments

Despite his legendary status, Michaels has faced criticism in recent years. A 2024 broadcast where he confused quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kenny Pickett drew particular ire. Other notable missteps include:

Top 5 Michaels Broadcasting Blunders

1. Mistaking the Browns’ punter for their kicker (2023)
2. Calling a touchdown before the play was over (2022)
3. Forgetting a player’s name mid-sentence (2025)
4. Criticizing a punt that turned out to be a fake (2024)
5. Mispronouncing “Dicker” as “Dunker” (2025)

Defenders argue these moments humanize the broadcasting legend, while critics claim they signal declining skills. Michaels himself addresses the criticism with humor: “At my age, I’m just happy to remember what sport I’m calling.”

Mr. Owl: Perfection is impossible in live broadcasting. What matters is how Michaels recovers from mistakes – with professionalism and wit that younger announcers should study.

Retirement Rumors and Legacy

With his contract expiring after the 2025 season, speculation grows about Michaels’ retirement. The broadcaster has hinted this might be his final year, telling reporters: “I’ll know when it’s time, and that time is coming soon.”

If this proves to be his last season, Michaels leaves behind an unmatched broadcasting legacy:

• Called 11 Super Bowls
• Named Sportscaster of the Year 6 times
• Voiced the “Miracle on Ice” call
• Worked for all four major networks
• Inducted into multiple Halls of Fame

Mr. Owl: When Michaels retires, we’re not just losing an announcer – we’re losing a living connection to NFL history. His voice contains decades of unforgettable moments that new broadcasters can only hope to emulate.

What’s Next for NFL Broadcasting?

As Michaels potentially steps away, Amazon and other networks scramble to find his successor. Current frontrunners include:

Potential TNF Replacement Candidates

• Mike Tirico (NBC’s current #1)
• Ian Eagle (CBS rising star)
• Kevin Burkhardt (Fox’s top voice)
• Joe Buck (if he leaves ESPN)

Whoever gets the job faces impossible comparisons to Michaels’ legacy. As one network executive privately admitted: “We’re not replacing Al – we’re just finding someone to sit in his chair.”

Mr. Owl: The NFL broadcasting world will divide into two eras – Before Michaels and After Michaels. Future announcers should study his work, but never try to copy his unique style.