Five-time Emmy-winning broadcaster Al Michaels proved he still has his quick wit intact and a little bit of mischief, after dropping a perfectly timed “deflategate” joke during his recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. The legendary commentator, known for decades of iconic NFL calls, left both McAfee and viewers in stitches while lightly shading Tom Brady ’s infamous controversy.
Al Michaels revives “deflategate” with a perfectly timed punchline
The exchange started innocently enough as McAfee, a former NFL punter, discussed how well kickers have been performing this season, hinting that the new footballs might be making things easier. That’s when Michaels, with his trademark dry humor, seized the moment.
“Pat, I got to ask you a question,” Michaels began. “I mean, to me, it's getting to the point where, you know, two first downs, you kick a field, you’ll win the game. Do you think, do you think they should deflate the kicking.”
Before he could finish, McAfee instantly erupted: “Don’t! Ow! Enough, Ow! Get out of here! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the legend Alvin. Ow! F* you Al! Don’t even put that in the universe!”
Michaels laughed off the reaction, adding a playful retort: “You pay me $300,000, I won’t say stop!” The lighthearted jab instantly reminded fans of the scandal that rocked the NFL a decade ago.
A reminder of football’s most infamous controversy
The joke, of course, referred to the 2015 “deflategate” saga involving Tom Brady and the New England Patriots . During the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts , several footballs were found to be below the legal pressure limit of 12.5 PSI.
The league’s investigation concluded it was “more probable than not” that Brady knew about the deflation. He was handed a four-game suspension, while the Patriots were fined $1 million and lost two draft picks. Despite the fallout, Brady famously returned in 2016 to lead the Patriots to one of the greatest comebacks in Super Bowl history, overcoming a 28–3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons .
Also Read: Tom Brady's ex-wife Gisele Bündchen’s former Manhattan townhouse hits the market for $17 million after two decades
Michaels’ teasing remark was all in good fun, but it was a reminder that even years later, the term “deflategate” still deflates the room faster than a bad snap.
Al Michaels revives “deflategate” with a perfectly timed punchline
The exchange started innocently enough as McAfee, a former NFL punter, discussed how well kickers have been performing this season, hinting that the new footballs might be making things easier. That’s when Michaels, with his trademark dry humor, seized the moment.
These kickers are BOMBING balls
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 9, 2025
"Do you think they should deflate the kicking balls"
DON'T SAY THAT AL MICHAELS 😂😂 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/3jI2HtUXqx
“Pat, I got to ask you a question,” Michaels began. “I mean, to me, it's getting to the point where, you know, two first downs, you kick a field, you’ll win the game. Do you think, do you think they should deflate the kicking.”
Before he could finish, McAfee instantly erupted: “Don’t! Ow! Enough, Ow! Get out of here! Ladies and gentlemen, this is the legend Alvin. Ow! F* you Al! Don’t even put that in the universe!”
Michaels laughed off the reaction, adding a playful retort: “You pay me $300,000, I won’t say stop!” The lighthearted jab instantly reminded fans of the scandal that rocked the NFL a decade ago.
A reminder of football’s most infamous controversy
The joke, of course, referred to the 2015 “deflategate” saga involving Tom Brady and the New England Patriots . During the AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts , several footballs were found to be below the legal pressure limit of 12.5 PSI.
Tom Brady on "deflategate" 😅
— FirstSportz (@FirstSportzUSA) May 6, 2024
#NFL #TomBrady pic.twitter.com/gDygD9IBo7
The league’s investigation concluded it was “more probable than not” that Brady knew about the deflation. He was handed a four-game suspension, while the Patriots were fined $1 million and lost two draft picks. Despite the fallout, Brady famously returned in 2016 to lead the Patriots to one of the greatest comebacks in Super Bowl history, overcoming a 28–3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons .
Also Read: Tom Brady's ex-wife Gisele Bündchen’s former Manhattan townhouse hits the market for $17 million after two decades
Michaels’ teasing remark was all in good fun, but it was a reminder that even years later, the term “deflategate” still deflates the room faster than a bad snap.
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