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Anyone who has ever watched Al Michaels broadcast a football game will tell you that the man loves an offhand reference to gambling.
Whether it’s a late score to cover the spread, or a low scoring first half that hits the under, Michaels has clearly been to Vegas a time or two.
But on Thursday, ahead of calling a Thursday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Michaels stopped by the Pat McAfee Show and made a surprise admission about his on-air gambling references.
"I was surprised that Brandon Aubrey missed that kick because he hasn't missed all year..
I knew what the spread was obviously but I've known that throughout the years..
We know who's watching these blowouts at the end of the game" 😂😂 ~ Al Michaels #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/sACerynaca
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 3, 2024
Al Michaels Doesn’t Enjoy Making Gambling References Like He Used To
“I had more fun during the time when you weren’t supposed to make any reference to gambling, where I was kind of like the rascal and all that,” Michaels said. “People would say, ‘Well, the league is getting upset.’ Yeah, they’re getting upset, but in the meantime they know everybody’s betting. So it’s like, ‘You shouldn’t do that, but we’re gonna turn a blind eye to it.’
“Now, everybody’s doing it. People are betting on 3rd-and-4. I can still sneak in those things I was able to sneak in in the past, but it’s not as if I’m a rascal anymore.”
Michaels makes a fair point. When he first started making the not-so-subtle references, they were extremely taboo. But these days, gambling is everywhere. The NFL even has an official gambling partner!
So who cares if the broadcaster is hinting about prop bets or backdoor covers? Half (or more?) of the audience is thinking the exact same thing that he is.
Michaels’ most notable gambling reference may have come during last year’s TNF game between the Steelers and Browns.
Cleveland recovered a fumble for a touchdown on the final play of the game. The play meant that both the over and the Browns alternate spread hit, which Michaels immediately latched onto.
“May be meaningful to some of you,” he quipped.
It sure was, Al.
In the same interview with McAfee, Michaels tried to explain why he sounds like he hates his life on every TNF broadcast.