Costas and Michaels Back on NBC Olympics

Bob Costas and Al Michaels, two iconic sports announcers, made a nostalgic return to NBC’s Olympic coverage during the Paris Games. The duo, who have been synonymous with Olympic broadcasts for decades, reflected on memorable moments from past U.S.-hosted Olympics and celebrated the achievements of American athletes, including legends like Carl Lewis and Kerri Strug, as well as the 1980 gold-medal-winning men’s hockey team. Their appearances come as anticipation builds for the upcoming Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. The pair was spotted at the beach volleyball venue near the Eiffel Tower, sharing the spotlight with rapper Snoop Dogg, who has taken on the role of Olympic torchbearer and NBC commentator for the 2024 Games. Costas, who served as a primetime host for 12 Olympics from 1988 to 2016, and Michaels, known for his extensive NFL coverage, have both left a significant mark on sports broadcasting. Michaels transitioned from ABC to NBC in 2006, further solidifying his legacy in Olympic history. In a 2022 interview, Costas revealed that his last contract with NBC Sports included a plan for him to cover a few more Olympics, with 2016 marking his final year as NFL host. He expressed a desire to emulate Tom Brokaw’s role in news, transitioning to a more emeritus position. Meanwhile, Costas has taken on a new role as a play-by-play announcer for Amazon Prime’s “Thursday Night Football” since 2022. As the Olympic opening ceremony drew a total audience of 28.6 million viewers, the highest since 2012, the excitement surrounding the Games continues to grow, with Costas and Michaels at the forefront of the coverage.