Al Michaels Criticized for ‘All-Time Jinx’ Over Cameron Dicker Comments on TNF

During the recent Thursday Night Football game featuring the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers, Al Michaels faced criticism for seemingly jinxing kicker Cameron Dicker. The game, streamed on Prime Video, showcased Dicker at a moment where expectations were high due to his impressive track record.

Cameron Dicker’s Record and the Missed Kick

Cameron Dicker entered the game as one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers, boasting a flawless record of 15 successful kicks in 15 attempts this season. This included a notable 55-yard field goal in a prior matchup against the Washington Commanders.

In the crucial moment of the game, after a well-executed offensive drive led by quarterback Justin Herbert, Dicker was set to attempt a 49-yard field goal. Michaels offered his assurance, stating, “For years, the Chargers were a mess in terms of trying to find a place kicker until they came upon this guy. And he’s been fabulous.” However, the kick drifted wide left, resulting in a missed opportunity that left fans shocked.

Comments from fans flooded social media, highlighting Michaels’ reputation. Many labeled him as the “jinx,” suggesting his comments led to Dicker’s miss. One fan expressed, “All-time announcer jinks by Al Michaels… no shame.”

Impact of the Missed Kick

Fortunately for Dicker and the Chargers, the miss occurred while the Vikings held a comfortable lead, making the moment less critical. Following the miss, the Vikings failed to capitalize, leading to their own missed field goal attempt as time expired in the first half.

Cameron Dicker’s Career Performance

• Dicker has played 45 career games.
• He successfully converted 106 of 112 field goals, marking a 94.6% success rate.
• His longest field goal is 59 yards.
• He has scored over 420 career points.
• From 40 yards and in, he remains flawless; beyond 50 yards, he has successfully converted 17 of 22 attempts.

In contrast, the Chargers’ kickers over the past four seasons have missed only six field goals and successfully converted 106 of 109 extra-point attempts. Despite the high-pressure situation, Dicker’s overall performance has been commendable, showcasing his calm demeanor as a kicker—except for this particular instance.