Kirk Herbstreit backs Al Michaels amid ‘Thursday Night Football’ criticism: ‘I think it's a bunch of bulls---'

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ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit defended legendary play-by-play announcer Al Michaels this week amid what Herbstreit called a continuing "narrative" surrounding his enthusiasm during "Thursday Night Football" games.

Herbstreit, speaking on the Barstool Sports’ podcast "Pardon My Take," explained that the value of games being played on Thursday could be to blame.

Kirk Herbstreit looks on from the sideline prior to the "Thursday Night Football" game at FedEx Field on October 5, 2023, in Landover, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

"I think Al, when he would do "Sunday Night Football" or "Monday Night Football," those games were massive. You know, you’re doing big games and your voice projects based on the setting that you’re in."

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He continued, "And these Thursday night games, they’re good, they’re good atmospheres, but I don’t think they’re at the level of a Sunday night game or when I’m doing these Saturday night games. So, I think your voice always matches with what you’re doing."

Michaels came under fire last season when he was in the booth alongside Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy for an AFC wild-card game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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He was also criticized for his enthusiasm during a Week 4 matchup between the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts, which he later called "a dreadful game."

Broadcaster Al Michaels is shown prior to the game between the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots at M&T Bank