Al Michaels remembers the 'Miracle on Ice' | THE HERD

Al Michaels talks to Colin Cowherd about the USA's victory over Russia in the 1980 Winter Olympics, his iconic call and more.
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The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a three-hour sports television and radio show on FS1 and iHeartRadio. Every day, Colin will give you his authentic, unfiltered opinion on the day’s biggest sports topics, and co-host Kristine Leahy will bring you the latest breaking sports news.
Al Michaels remembers the 'Miracle on Ice' | THE HERD
• Al Michaels remembers ...
The Herd with Colin Cowherd:
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[@granthitchcock466]

his voice is iconic

[@laker4life36]

Classic and Iconic.

[@thegr8hambino963]

Still

[@darylmixan8170]

Growing up in Nebraska it sounds like a beautiful autumn day, done with homework, my dad cooking on the grill.

[@KAH5371]

Even after 41 years (1980 to 2021), watching the last 2:00 minutes of this game brings me to tears of joy! USA! USA! USA!

[@peterhussmann6690]

That game was one of the most iconic moments in sports and just history in general. I watched it on tv and will never forget it. Our country really needed it at that time to bring us together. We could use a miracle now to bring us back together. America is at its greatest when we are all United.

[@tonywellington7854]

the game was fake cheesedick

[@waynejohanson1083]

One of the biggest upsets in sports history. A bunch of college kids basically beat a professional all star team.

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

Stone cold SOLID FACT~!!!

[@michaelknapp8961]

I watched it with my dad and my older brother. I was 13. Dad had us bring our chairs right up to our Zenith TV set to watch the game. I’ve never seen my father more emotional about a sporting event. When they won I looked over at him and he had tears coming down his face.

[@greygoose5964]

Thanks for sharing that story.

[@chicken_953]

One thing that impressed me with Al Michael's was how well he knew all the Russian players names. This was with no internet, and very limited resource and knowledge of the Russian team

[@PaganSamurai]

He probably had a card in front of him with the names of all the players.

[@ryanhuisman5381]

@@PaganSamurai That's partly it, but having the names is one thing, pronouncing them right is something completely different. Many broadcasters today show their laziness by not knowing how to pronounce names, a true professional, like old school Al Michaels does his homework and knows the names.

[@johnvargo7338]

Michaels

[@billyboblillybob344]

@@ryanhuisman5381 And Michaels mispronounced most of the Soviet names. Several of those players made it to the NHL. One would think they were different people given the pronunciation changes from the Olympics to the NHL a couple years later.

[@lightninlarry8936]

Al Michaels is the greatest sport announcer in history

[@gmg9010]

Mike Emric as well PS I don’t know what nationality he is though

[@MatthewHendrixrockinman1]

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES ? YESSSSSS

[@susanbernstein8337]

I will never forget watching this game with my older brother. We were mad about the U.S. hockey team's players. They became folk heroes for a time. This victory was HUGE--the crowd's and the nation's reaction was unbelievable.

[@cryptohalloffame]

I think every American felt exactly the like players did when the horn sounded and the game ended. It was a collective experience of pure joy.

[@ORagnar]

Several of them made it into the NHL and had good careers. 5/25/23

[@SportsSpeak73]

​@ORagnar two of them went on to win the Stanley Cup. Morrow actually won the Cup in 80 & was the first (and maybe only) guy to win Olympic Gold & the Cup the same year.

[@calebmastronardi915]

I searched colin cowherd hockey and this was the first and only entirely hockey related video he has on youtube which just proves how misrepresented hockey is in american sports coverage

[@yetz2291]

It's their own fault. They can't market to save their lives. Which is a shame, because the NHL is a million times more entertaining than the NBA and MLB.

[@sillygoose635]

@@yetz2291 More entertaining? Oh buddy... put down that pipe.

[@sillygoose635]

so what, it's not underrepresented, just not talked about much on his show.

[@NotATryHard7]

@@sillygoose635 it’s 10x more entertaining

[@joncox7704]

Cowherd is such a creeeeep in this. Holy moly

[@user-jz8vv4sc7k]

It was like watching a college team against the NHL championship team because young, baby faced kids playing some of the best hockey players in the world. Miracle on ice was the perfect call by Michael's.

[@notoriouseagle1074]

Wait a minute. He actually talked about hockey?!

[@ogreman-lll-957]

David Dolan USA that’s why

[@dominicpellicano3196]

Bro are u dumb

[@mikewrasman5103]

???

[@HockeyFan1972]

I was at the Brainard, MN Holiday Inn with my parents and extended family for a fun weekend in winter...swimming, and laughing with cousins. I, to this day, will never forget watching this game, at the poolside room we had, seeing my mom crying, seeing my dad tear up, my grandparents, and aunt and uncle hugging....never will I forget this moment.

[@thecamelregiment43rdms.33]

The Russian team even remained to acknowledge and admire the American team after the game. What a great night for America and sport.

[@billyboblillybob344]

They remained because the customary handshake line occurred after every game. They were waiting for that with nothing to do but stand and watch the celebration.

[@michaelmohrle3138]

Yes Al, you tapped into the magaic, you are like a member of the team in a way. You were good luck for this team!

[@jimleonis7951]

2:06 Colin turns into dale doback when he heard brennan sing for the first time

[@johnmaloney7518]

As Coach V said "Don't give up, Don't ever give up". what an example of that

[@drewbutler7822]

Al michales is a national treasure

[@waynejohanson1083]

I agree, one of the best sports announcer ever.

[@uncletaylorify]

Al Michaels to me will always be the voice of baseball during the summer. I grew up in the 80's and I think he called every ball game I watched in the summer lol

[@jakubwidlarz]

i.e. Monday Night Baseball, switching to Thursday in September because of MNF

[@yes2day100]

I'm from LA. The voice of baseball to me will always be Vin Scully.

[@Neilfrozn]

According to the players, Herb Brooks actually said, "If you lose this game, you'll take it to your fu#$&$#@ graves!'

[@waynejohanson1083]

I heard about that too. And he was right imagine beating the Russians and then losing to Finland and not getting the Gold. They had no choice but to win that game.

[@matsalvatore9074]

greatest sports moment in history

[@buckeyewill2166]

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES……YES!!!!!!

[@markhall6306]

Al Michael's will always be my favorite announcer because of that game and I remember listening to the game on a transistor radio 📻 doing a paper route and watching the game that night. Michael's perfectly captured the moment and remember that Swedish game and Czech 🇨🇿 game as well.

[@Tony-rz4ks]

greatest game ever in any sport

[@roncline3120]

Without a Doubt the Greatest Moment in Sports History I watched the game in Cafe Teria in Gundelsheim Germany

[@geckobrah4201]

I recall watching this on a tiny TV with rabbit ears, on my kitchen table (I was young and poor). Goosebumps then, and now! The greatest sports call ever. Only one that comes close is Verne Lundqist’s “Yes, sir!” With Nicklaus at the 86 Masters.

[@quentin3330]

We watched it live in Canada... and telling our friends or relatives in the U.S. word slowly spread that the U.S. had upset the Soviet Union.

[@blackhawkswincup2010]

I'm glad the Soviet Union lost, I'm VERY glad Viktor Tikhonov lost, but after having watched the documentary Red Army, featuring Slava Fetisov, I have an appreciation of the what the Russian players' lives were like. Tikhonov was an utter waste of organic tissue, no doubt. And the whole team allowed themselves to be lulled to sleep, and they deserved to lose. But I don't dislike the players on the team.

[@roaddog7370]

@@blackhawkswincup2010 ,so that is your problem then.

[@ryanhuisman5381]

@@roaddog7370 His problem is that he doesn't dehumanize the players on the other team? And you do because they came from the wrong country? Sounds a bit douchy to me.

[@kimberlyhonig8030]

I love this moment in history. I also love that he’s the one that tells Peter Jennings that “this was a farcical call.” If you’re a Howard Stern fan, you’ll totally love this man!!

[@SonofTuscon99]

He was part of the 20/20 OJ coverage 2. He was supposed to be at a horse track watching a horse that he had partial ownership of.

[@christophermotyka8744]

Al Michaels called the greatest game in sports history EVER!!! End of subject!!!

[@shnogler902]

3:49 is this man a Vampire wtf

[@AngeloMartinez6]

“ if you lose this game, you’ll take it to your grave.” My was that inspiring.

[@DonB.-Mulefivefive]

It was more than just a game.... It was EVERYTHING!!!!

[@dz3952]

That's a cool picture at 4:59. I don't think I've ever seen that picture before. The crowd going crazy juxtaposed with Jim Craig jumping for joy is an awesome shot

[@mykedill2645]

It’s at 0:49

[@derronsanchez391]

Best game and call in the history of sports!! Any sport….secretariat coming in second. All the best Al Michaels!!!

[@FieldMarshalRommel23]

I'm not American but the movie is legendary. Gives me great respect for hockey. A mans man sport.

[@tipigi3570]

The movie is great, but they certainly changed some things: The third Soviet goal - In the movie they ran over Jim Craig (the goaltender) and shot the puck into an empty net. In reality, their 3rd goal was a breakaway, and nobody touched Craig. It was like they tried to make the Soviets look dirty in the movie imo. Jack O'Callahan - In the movie he was injured and Herb Brooks told him that he'd hang onto him until he got better. Just before the Soviet game, they told him he could play. In reality - he played in the group round against Romania (several days before the Soviet game). The Tryouts in Denver - In the movie, Herb Brooks has his list done the first day, and sends everyone else home. The IOC guy argues with him in the parking lot about it. In reality, the tryouts lasted two weeks (Mike Eruzione has said this in speeches that it was wrong in the movie).

[@mitrisaosefh9610]

Al Michaels greatest of all time

[@phxmaster9684]

Only time I've heard the herd mention hockey

[@ogreman-lll-957]

Great American moment

[@roaddog7370]

Yes indeed need another one..

[@Sam-vv4zd]

As a Canadian, I'm just happy the Russians lost

[@fuzzyflick9905]

😷🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤫🤫🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@noeltaylor3594]

There are "USA" chants. Those "USA" chants were from people's souls. You felt it.

[@ryanc6128]

Good Interview

[@TheHerdOnFS1]

Al Michaels remembers the 'Miracle on Ice' - 'The Herd'

[@mikes3827]

Colin, coincidentally, I was also in a bowling alley/pool hall in Sanford, Maine, with a couple of buddies while the game was being broadcast. I'll never forget it. The place went nuts when the US won. I still maintain that was THE greatest moment in American sports history

[@bloke_19xx33]

i don't think it started at 5 pm; If i remember correctly...Jo-Jo Starbuck (former figure skater) had a brief Olympic summary 'blast' that was broadcast on the radio (which I heard around 5pm EST)...stating that the US Hockey team beat the Soviets. Couldn't believe that UPI or AP didn't pick up that feed. Before the rebroadcast was played later that night, I remember Jim McKay saying '...we're not going to reveal who won...sit back and enjoy...' That was a moment I will never forget.

[@christophergilbert2306]

Best moment is sport’s history. When the USA kids won!!!!

[@tvpmark]

Oh. That was amazing. On that day I watched the local news, and the sports anchor warned he was going to post the final score of that game " so close your eyes if you are going to watch the game tonight. A half hour later on ABC World News Tonight, and Frank Reynolds announced the final score. We watched it anyway..

[@FloraWest]

I saw this game on a TV that was in our living room (a rare treat for the Olympics) and it was great. I grew up in Minnesota so hockey was huge. Also, just an aside, this is the least guest friendly set I've ever seen.

[@buckeyewill2166]

Saw it on tape delay DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES.....YES!!!!!!!

[@ronhyde]

Look at Colin. He's good at what he does, but he is so contrived with his expressions of amazement during this interview with a legend who actually loves and has called all sports. Greatest moment in US sports history and here's Colin, a guy who cares only about NFL and NBA feigning interest. Give him an Academy award!

[@MatthewGagnon1980]

Some of the most impossibly strange facial expressions I have ever seen

[@williammize8270]

Yes I do believe

[@josephpickard3108]

Harry Shearer of SImpsons/Spinal Tap fame does the most amazing Al Michaels impression.

[@Joe-rw1bb]

I coached several youth hockey games on the same bench the US team played on.

[@mattygates1]

I played many a game as a kid on the 1932 Olympic rink in Lake Placid. Great memories.

[@Joe-rw1bb]

@@mattygates1 youth hockey ? Who’d you play for ?

[@dinoc734]

and hes calling nfl games to the day. the best

[@robdlc438]

The historical timing, it was during the time that Iran held our embassy staff hostage. These events probably helped Reagan and his patriotic themes win. It helped change history.

[@edwardcricchio6106]

Wow, Colin Cowturd not talking about the NBA or the NFL. That is a Miracle.

[@lottji]

i thought i was gonna have an original comment when i saw colin's expressions at 1:31, but all the top comments are about it

[@mclohan]

“I run into my wife Linda” 😂

[@btbarr16]

One thing I wish they would have put in the movie, but they couldn't because of it being a PG movie, was what Herb Brooks said to the team in the locker room before the Gold medal game (Soviet game was for the semi-final game). He gave that inspirational speech before the game against the Soviets. Before the gold medal game against Finland Herb walked into the locker room and said, "If you lose this game you'll take it to your f***'n grave... Your f***'n grave," and walked out.

[@RoyalMela]

If game against Finland was the gold medal game, how come Finland did not get silver and finished 4th? And Soviets lost the semi-final, they still got silver instead of playing in the bronze medal game? There was no semi finals or final game. It was a four team round robin where all four teams played once against each other and team with most points got gold. Going into final day there was still an option where USA finished fourth. USA finished first with 5 points (win over Soviets and Finland and a tie against Sweden), Soviets second with 4 points (Win over Finland and Sweden), Sweden third with 2 points (tie with USA and Finland) and Finland 4th with 1 point (tie with Sweden)

[@btbarr16]

@@RoyalMela read my comment again. Didn't say anything about who got Bronze or silver. Only commented about what the players said Herb said to them before the gold medal game i.e., the game they played after they played the Soviets that they had to win to get the gold medal. So I don't know what you're on about. The gold medal was awarded that match due to the USA winning. Therefore, it was the gold medal game. I'm guessing your thing is dripping knowledge to try to make people inferior online. I mean if you're going to do it at least pick something other than semantics to try to slam someone with.

[@RoyalMela]

@@btbarr16 I clearly read words "Gold medal game" two times and "semi-final" once in your post. So, you are saying there WAS a gold medal game AND semi-finals. No there was not. Read this again, it is an explanation how the games were played: "There was no semi finals or final game. It was a four team round robin where all four teams played once against each other and team with most points got gold. Going into final day there was still an option where USA finished fourth. USA finished first with 5 points (win over Soviets and Finland and a tie against Sweden), Soviets second with 4 points (Win over Finland and Sweden), Sweden third with 2 points (tie with USA and Finland) and Finland 4th with 1 point (tie with Sweden)"

[@reesewahl5488]

My dad was 3grade Teacher i was 3 years only tv in jamestown nd at lincoln school !! Jamestown ND never gets respect the next space men miss Hieb

[@tobiasfrost86]

This happened before my team

[@michaelmcglynn5863]

1980 USA defeats Russia! 1981 49ers win 1st Super Bowl! Both miracles.

[@rsaunable]

That's where I heard the score... in a bowling alley. HAHAHAHA

[@seththomson4025]

Rob Saunders yes and I don’t think he ran home to watch?

[@raym7673]

The closest we came as a country where random strangers would come together was 1) Miracle on Ice 2) The months after 9/11 3) When pokemon go first came out

[@matsalvatore9074]

we're the greatest country in history 🔴⚪️🔵

[@joedeangelis4528]

Brooks included a spicey adjective to the "grave speech" .

[@thomasryan5736]

The US won the Gold in 1960. A miracle. But good on 1980 for also winning the Gold.

[@IntoTheVoid96]

do you believe in oh no

[@johnrwalker53]

wait a minute 50,000 people said they were at the game?

[@thelastmanonearth2631]

Oh he remembers one of the greatest calls in sportscasting history? You don't say.

[@reesewahl5488]

My teacher MR. HEIB

[@mmw81648]

The way Cowherd is moving his mouth is seriously tripping me out

[@gagewhitman5018]

Easily the best moment for USA Sports in history, but if the USA ever wins the World Cup in soccer, that will surpass this as the greatest miracle in United States Sports history. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@asdfmldasklfdhjlasd]

um no .... not even close

[@asdfmldasklfdhjlasd]

unless their playing a north korea team that is gods gift to soccer

[@johncampolito3553]

Don’t think so. Stage can’t get any bigger

[@WarriorAngel001]

No soccer matchup today would have as immense a contextual backdrop as the Lake Placid Hockey games.

[@goalscorerlajon]

NEVER!

[@crypticii3431]

2:04 WTF is colin doing 😂

[@anthonydepinto269]

Very few know that when the US left the ice that night they did not control their own destiny for the gold medal. Had Sweden won out with a better goal differential than US they would have won the gold even with US winning out They were playing a medal round. No semifinal or final. Us and Sweden tied 1 1 and Russia beat Finland 6 4 in pool play. The result meant the medal round standing Russia 2 US. 1 Sweden 1 Finland 0 Finland and Sweden tied I believe 3 3 thus allowing the US to clinch the gold with a victory over Finland. Had the US lost Russia would of won the gold by beating Sweden. standing would of been Russia 4 points US. 3 Sweden 2 Finland 1

[@anthonydepinto269]

Correction US and Sweden tied 2 2

[@RoyalMela]

And going into last day there was still an option where USA finished 4th!

[@olivercrangle7160]

That night on Warner Wolf's coverage:"It was as if God was the 7th man on the ice."

[@geoff3103]

LOL Colin wants to hear about the miracle on ice about as much as he wants to hear about the day ESPN fired him.

[@masseyhemenway4298]

Look for Colin on a State Registry near you within the next 10 years......

[@richernest3359]

Roll out Jimmy Carter to ask Tretiak finer points of running goalie ruling world.Ha!Ha!

[@raysterling3668]

Looked also like the Russians were exhausted. USA players were in much better shape. Just the way coach Brooks dialed it up.

[@alexfranklin3502]

Nice makeup Colin!!!

[@benjaminschiller9330]

Dear god, how creepy is his face and jaw movements when Al starts telling stories. Rewatch this again with that in mind.

[@stickboy2672]

Colin is so creepy in this interview lol

[@Bad-Idea-Network]

I want him to read me to sleep

[@seththomson4025]

Part of the reason I can’t listen to Colin. He doesn’t know a thing about hockey. He’s doing himself a disservice especially with the popularity of American NHL players these days. No better sport to watch live then hockey. The other day he talked about the top 10 great sport athletes for last decade. No hockey players.

[@eyeconqueror1185]

He knows nothing about any sport

[@williammize8270]

Not in Colin kapernick and his werkouts shoulda brought Donald duck with hm

[@mattclemens9121]

watch colins mouth while Al is telling his story

[@junoknobloch3830]

He's been doing it too long. He needs to hang it up. Somehow the nbc announcers make football boring.

[@samholder196]

what in the name of creeptomaania is happening with Colin's face as Al talks?

[@tonywellington7854]

the game was a psyop

[@williammize8270]

Who Colin kapernick

[@camschuster5947]

Serious Lizard vibes from Colin at 1:30…😳

[@randy4395]

I wish someone would make a good movie of that game and that team that does not involve Al Michaels,he is extremely overrated