Al Michaels stuns NFL fans with Aaron Hernandez’s commentary in Chiefs’ win over Raiders

Amazon Prime’s NFL announcer Al Michaels once again caused a stir among fans during the streaming platform’s Black Friday coverage this season.

The 80-year-old was back in the booth next to Kirk Herbstreit on Friday as they covered the Kansas City Chiefs’ Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders for Prime.

However, the play-by-play announcer caused controversy when he referenced Aaron Hernandez, the former New England Patriots tight end who was found guilty of murder.

Hernandez was charged with the murder of semi-professional soccer player Odin Lloyd in 2013 and was ultimately found guilty in 2015 and sentenced to life in prison without parole. In 2017 he was found dead in his cell. His death was ruled a suicide.

During Friday’s broadcast, Michaels compared the Patriots’ dynasty-era tight end partnership of Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski to the current one in Kansas City, which also includes Travis Kelce and Noah Gray.

Michaels’ comparison, which came after Patrick Mahomes threw a pass to Gray in the end zone in the second quarter, was innocuous and accurate considering the Chiefs are currently searching for a Super Bowl three-peat.

Amazon Prime’s NFL announcer Al Michaels (right) caused a stir among fans again this season

Michaels referred to Aaron Hernandez, the ex-Patriots tight end who was convicted of murder

However, NFL fans were stunned by the comment on social media, with many questioning Michaels’ motives for dropping the controversial former player’s name.

“No Al Michaels, let’s not compare Noah Gray to Aaron Hernandez,” one angry social media user posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Another added: “Al Michaels casually comparing Noah Gray to Aaron Hernandez is so damn wild…”

“Al Michaels approached Aaron Hernandez? Oh my god,” one shocked fan wrote, while another shared two laughing emojis and posted, “Not Al Michaels just casually comparing the Chiefs TE to Aaron Hernandez.”

“Al Michael naming Aaron Hernandez wasn’t on my bingo card,” said another.

While one fan seemed particularly frustrated, saying: “NOOOOOOO AL MICHAELS DON’T MENTION AARON HERNANDEZ ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO BLACK FRIDAY FOOTBALL NOOOOOOOOO!”

Others seemed taken aback by Michaels’ casual innuendo, and some claimed that the announcer didn’t seem to care.

“Al Michaels doesn’t give a shit,” one claimed. “I talk about Aaron Hernandez on the show.”

Michaels compared Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski to Travis Kelce and Noah Gray (pictured)

NFL fans were stunned by the veteran play-by-play announcer’s comment on social media

“Al Michaels with a reference to Aaron Hernandez.” “I think there’s a natural filter that prevents going there,” said another.

“Al Michaels mentioned Aaron Hernandez by name the day after Thanksgiving,” a third chimed in, while a fourth reiterated, “Al Michaels just mentioned Aaron Hernandez in passing like he was a regular guy.”

Meanwhile, others agreed, also claiming that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell wouldn’t be impressed with the reference.

“When Michaels said the name ‘Aaron Hernandez’ on the air, Roger Goodell’s spy sense must have activated,” one fan quipped.

“I can’t believe Goodell didn’t activate Al Michaels’ shock collar with that reference to Hernandez,” another said of the commissioner.

“I don’t think the NFL loves bringing up Aaron Hernandez that much,” claimed another, while a fourth posted: “Amazon exes after Al Michael’s Hernandez quote: “Yeah, he’s on his way to outside.””

It wasn’t the first time that the commentator had to face criticism from fans this season.

Michaels received hostility for his comments (particularly his lack of enthusiasm, as many fans called for his resignation).