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NFL Prompts Al Michaels to Correct On-Air Claim About Vikings SkyCam Kick

The league told the Prime Video broadcaster the London miss was an 'optical illusion' after refusing a Vikings bid to remove it from Will Reichard’s record.

Overview

  • During Thursday Night Football, Al Michaels said the NFL contacted the booth to dispute his earlier remark that Will Reichard’s Week 5 miss hit a camera wire, relaying the league’s 'optical illusion' explanation.
  • Reichard and the Vikings had asked the NFL to erase the London miss from the official stats after alleging SkyCam interference, but reporting says the league acknowledged a missed call and declined a retroactive change.
  • NFL rules require a replay if a kick strikes SkyCam equipment, yet officials did not stop play in London, and subsequent analysis has noted the league’s varying descriptions and a lack of definitive visual proof.
  • Media figures, including Mike Florio, criticized the delayed messaging and called for clearer, timely explanations rather than reactive corrections delivered through broadcasters mid-game.
  • In the same broadcast, Michaels praised Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker moments before a 49-yard miss that drew 'jinx' chatter online, while Reichard later missed a 53-yarder in a 37-10 Vikings loss.