Al Michaels would rather get a pet than eat a vegetable.
We already know how much the 79-year-old hates vegetables. This anecdote has been told repeatedly and was recently repeated by Kirk Herbstreit on Kevin Clark’s podcast. Herbstreit shared his sincere admiration and connection with his broadcast partner for Prime Videos Football on Thursday eveningHe is not the only Herbstreit who is close to the Michaels.
The other is a 10-year-old Golden Retriever named Ben, who follows Hebrstreit everywhere. This includes every TNF Matchup (or so it seems), and since he’s stolen the show a few times, he’s also stolen Michaels’ affection. He’s not a dog guy, but Ben has won over the legendary announcer.
Do you believe in miracles?
In a recent Q&A with Sports Illustrated Jimmy Traina, Michaels said he fell in love with the dog that pretty much everyone loves.
“You know what? I’m not an animal lover,” Michaels said. “Kirk brought him home last year and suddenly I fell in love with this dog. He’s a golden retriever. He’s wonderfully behaved. Kirk can walk him around and he doesn’t even have him on a leash.”
“I find him hilarious. One time Kirk and I were in a hotel. We came out of an elevator and the dog walked with us, and the dog led us around about four corners. The path to Kirk’s room looked like a Grand Prix course, and he knew exactly where it was. The dog is smart.
“I have never had a pet or a vegetable in my life, but I would rather have a pet than a vegetable.”
This is possibly the greatest compliment Ben has ever received.
(SI)
