NFL announcer Joe Buck is “not happy” with a growing criticism in regards to the 2025 season.
The criticism isn’t aimed at Buck, though. Instead, it’s aimed at legendary NFL announcer Al Michaels. Many have been pushing for the 81-year-old broadcaster to retire following the year. However, he’s already announced that he’ll be returning in 2026.
Advertisement
“Al Michaels needs to retire,” one suggested.
“It’s time. Give it up,” another added.
“He needs to give it up already,” one suggested.
Joe Buck’s MNF joke.ESPN.
(ESPN.)
But Buck, who has long been the subject of much announcing criticism – though he’s certainly one of the best in the game and deserving of praise – fired back at the critics of Michaels this week.
Buck sounds off on those ripping Michaels
Buck appeared on The Sports-Casters podcast with Steven Bennett and sounded off on those ripping Michaels. He’s “not happy” about it.
Advertisement
“It just drives me nuts because I’m such a fan of Al’s,” Buck said, per Awful Announcing. “As I’ve said, all I have to do is hear his voice, him say one word. I’m like, OK, I’m watching that game because it’s important, and if he’s there, it’s an important game. I think he’s phenomenal. I still think he’s phenomenal. I listen to him, and I marvel at what he’s able to do. I just think he’s fantastic.”
He doesn’t get the criticism.
“And I’ve said before to others that he and I have become really good friends over the last few years,” Buck said. “He left me this great message before our Steelers game the other night. He’s very supportive of what I do, and I just hold him up as the best to ever do it. So, I don’t get it. I don’t agree with it. I don’t think it’s fair and I don’t think accurate at all.”
Advertisement
Others, though, would disagree.
A clip went viral of sarcastic praise aimed Michaels’ way. The clip has more than 2.3 million views.
Michaels, meanwhile, has made it clear that he wants to continue working.
“I always felt, I’ll go as long as I can, or I’m wanted, but I have to be able to know that I can do the game at the level that satisfies me,” Michaels told Chris ‘Mad Dog’ Russo this year. “If I feel not what I have been or the way I perceive myself to have been, that’ll be time to step away, I don’t feel that way right now.”
Advertisement
This story was originally published by The Spun on Jan 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.