Al Michaels Corrects On-Air Error About Michael Penix Jr.

Al Michaels mistakenly said Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had played two seasons at Oregon during the Falcons’ Thursday Night Football game against the Green Bay Packers, then corrected the error later in the broadcast. The widely shared mistake prompted criticism from viewers online, some of whom called for the veteran announcer to retire. Michaels made the remark while discussing Penix’s college career during the game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. He correctly said Penix began at Indiana but incorrectly placed his next two seasons at Oregon. Penix transferred to Washington, where he played those seasons before entering the NFL. Michaels later corrected himself on air. The mix-up was especially noticeable to fans familiar with the Washington-Oregon rivalry. Viewers posted reactions on social media, including jokes and criticism of the mistake. Some commenters called for Michaels to step away from broadcasting, though those reactions reflected individual opinions rather than any announced change to his role.