Al Michaels, an American television play-by-play sportscaster, is a picky eater and has never knowingly eaten a vegetable. He doesn’t need vegetables to survive.
His mother gave birth to him when she was 18 and indulged him by frying him up cheap cuts of steak and lamb chops.
Al Michaels’ sharp and exciting play-by-play commentary has been the soundtrack for some of the most significant events on television for over 5 decades.
He first made his name on ABC Monday Night Football, where he called games for two decades, and later moved to NBC Sunday Night Football for 16 more seasons.
Today, he brings his legendary voice to Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video.
His specialty is football, but he is also renowned for famous calls in other sports, including the Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics and the earthquake-interrupted Game 3 of the 1989 World Series.
His career began humbly, calling college games for the radio station at Arizona State University. After graduation, he appeared on television with Chuck Barris Productions, choosing women to appear on The Dating Game.
Soon after, he got his start in sportscasting with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has proven to be the trusted voice who brings the game to life for millions of fans.
The Unlikely Diet of a Broadcasting Legend, Al Michaels
Al Michaels has a secret that has nothing to do with football or baseball.
The celebrated broadcaster has been a famously picky eater who has admitted to never knowingly eating a vegetable in his entire life.
Al Michaels has never knowingly ate a vegetable. A heroic act. pic.twitter.com/szZJBupf1I
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 6, 2023
Since childhood, Michaels refused to eat vegetables and had his privileges even back then.
While many kids are forced to eat their greens, Michaels refused. His unique diet started when he was young.
His mother, who was just 18 when she gave birth to him, chose not to fight him on it and instead fried him steaks and lamb chops.
I was born when my parents were 18. So [my mom] just let me have the run of the course. And I always pushed the vegetables away. To this day, no.
Al Michaels
And I guess what I’ve proven, Chris, is that man does not need vegetables to survive.
This culinary tradition continued into his adult life.
His wife of 54 years, Linda, admitted that early in their marriage, she tried to introduce vegetables into his diet. She quickly realized it was a battle she would not win, ruling it a lost cause.
Michaels’ simple philosophy is that he doesn’t need vegetables to survive, and his successful career and long marriage seem to prove him right.
His vegetable-free life has been filled with success, longevity, and all the fried steak he wants.
I look at it. I just don’t even like the look of it. And I surmise what it might taste like in terms of the texture of it. I think a lot of it probably has to do … it just doesn’t look like something that would go down well.
Al Michaels
Netizens React to Al Michaels’ Lifelong Veggie Avoidance
Sports commentator Al Michaels made headlines, not for his play-by-play, but for his play-by-plate. He revealed he has never knowingly eaten a vegetable in his entire life.
The revelation sparked an immediate and lively debate online.
Social media was divided, with some users applauding his unwavering stance.
Comments like “Impressive” and “Real heroes don’t wear capes” poured in, celebrating his dedication to a meat-and-potatoes lifestyle.
Who needs veggies when you can survive on sports commentary alone? Legendary!
Abeastli
On the other hand, others were baffled, questioning the logistics with cries of “How is that possible!?”
Not sure what exactly he has said but I’m calling bullshit on him NEVER eating vegetables.
Doobie 3101
You’re telling me he’s never had peppers or onions mixed into his meals? Hell, isn’t garlic considered a vegetable?
Comment
byu/Distinct_Candy9226 from discussion
inbillsimmons
Michaels refused to consider sampling a vegetable that would be regarded as “non-objectionable,” such as a carrot.
The legendary broadcaster explained that he has never tasted one because he doesn’t like its appearance, surmising that its texture and taste would be unpleasant.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Alan Richard Michaels, the eldest child of Jay and Lila Michaels, was born on November 12, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York City.
- He married Linda on August 27, 1966, and they have two children, Jennifer and Steven.
- His autobiography, You Can’t Make This Up: Memories and the Perfect Marriage of Sports and Television, reached The New York Times Best Seller list for nonfiction.
- His net worth is estimated to be $40 million, and he earns $11 million annually.
