Legendary NFL playcaller Al Michaels flippantly called broadcast partner Kirk Herbstreit a “clown” during the Green Bay Packers’ 27-19 win over the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field.

With just over two-and-a-half minutes left, the Packers were considering kicking a long-range field goal with kicker Trey Smack; Herbstreit suggested that Michaels' reliance on analytics could lead many to think the Packers should go for it from distance.

"I'm with you. I don't think, personally, it's worth the risk. But with the world that you've created with analytics…" said Herbstreit on Thursday Night Football. “That I've created? Get out of town, clown," Michaels responded.

"Conventional wisdom back in the old days: you would punt the ball,” Michaels continued. “Try to punt them and make Bryce Young, with that offensive line, in obvious passing situations, have to go the length of the field, but they're thinking about getting a first down and an ice in this game."

The light-hearted moment between the two broadcasters comes as Michaels has faced calls to retire from NFL playcalling. The Amazon Prime Video broadcaster did not notice a fumble on the opening kickoff as Packers wide receiver Coleman Owen had the ball punched out of his hand at the 25-yard line.

It took Michaels a while to catch on before he saw the Panthers had taken possession. “It’s time for bro to hang up the microphone,” one fan fumed.

“It took Al Michaels over an hour to notice that it was a fumble on the opening kickoff. Sleeping on the call,” another reacted.

It’s not the only mistake Michaels has made in the 2026 season. He also slipped up during the Chicago Bears’ win over the New England Patriots just last week.

Corey Kiner broke past linebacker D’Marco Jackson before being brought down by Kentavius Street following a handoff from Drake Maye. As players from both teams gathered around the Patriots running back, Michaels incorrectly claimed the ball had come loose.

That’s despite there being no fumble during the first-quarter incident. He was then forced into an awkward correction.

Michaels is still calling NFL games at 81. However, it appears he’s no closer to handing over the microphone just yet. In response to being asked how he'll find out it's time to retire, Michaels said, "Well, either the people that I work for will tell me, or I'll know myself, a combination."

"Let's put it this way. The folks at Amazon and Prime have been fantastic. Fantastic to me," he said. Michaels also revealed that Amazon checks with him at the end of every season to see whether he remains interested in returning to the booth.

"If they come to me and say, you know, it's time for us to move on … You guys have been fantastic. You've been great. I've done the NFL for 41 years, which is half my life.

“Love it. But you know what? At a certain time, it's time," he said. "And if they feel it's time, great. And if I feel it's time, I'll know it. And I'll say, 'You know what? Thanks for the memories.'"