Al Roker has a distinctive way of getting into the right mindset before stepping in front of the cameras for the early morning TODAY Show.
The longtime weatherman and co-host recently shared his fun and unique pre-show ritual during an appearance on “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.”
Each morning, Roker plays the theme song from the classic 1980s action-adventure series, The A-Team, and recites the show’s iconic opening narration.
“Every morning, I play the A-Team theme and recite the beginning opening,” he told Colbert with enthusiasm.
Demonstrating his knowledge of the show, Roker flawlessly recited the famous introduction:
“In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit.
These men promptly escaped from a maximum-security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire The A-Team.”
The series originally aired from 1983 to 1987 and became widely known for its action-packed episodes and memorable characters. Roker’s fondness for the show has been a part of his morning routine for years, dating back at least to 2014, when he first revealed this energizing habit. At the time, he explained that listening to the A-Team theme each morning helped him get pumped up before heading to 30 Rock for his 5:15 a.m. call time.
“It gets me kind of juiced up, boom! A little motivation,” he explained to Colbert.
A Motivational Figure On and Off the Air
Beyond using The A-Team as his personal motivator, Roker has taken on a new role that allows him to encourage others. He has been named the Chief Motivation Officer for the new Start TODAY app, a platform designed to provide wellness resources, including expert-led challenges, healthy recipes, and daily inspiration.
Roker has been open about his own health struggles in recent years, which include battling cancer, experiencing blood clots, and undergoing a knee replacement. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to staying active and pushing himself forward.
“I sometimes have to have a talk with myself. ‘Look, you got to get up. You got to get out,’” he shared in an interview earlier this year. “Because we are very good at making excuses for why we don’t do something, but it’s harder to make an excuse for why you need to do something. So I like to let other people know they’re not alone.”
Roker also credits his wife, journalist Deborah Roberts, for helping him shift his mindset on fitness and consistency. He has embraced the idea that “something is better than nothing,” a philosophy Roberts introduced to him.
“I really was one of those people who thought, ‘Oh, if I can’t get out there for an hour or do four miles, I’m just not going to do it,’” he explained on a Start TODAY podcast. “Well, maybe you don’t have time to do four miles. How about two? Something is better than nothing.”
Inspiring Others Through His Personal Journey
Al Roker continues to serve as an inspiration, not just in the world of broadcasting but also in the realm of personal motivation and wellness. His morning ritual, rooted in nostalgia and excitement, is just one example of how he approaches life with enthusiasm and determination.
By sharing his personal experiences and daily practices, Roker reminds his audience that motivation can come from the simplest routines, whether it’s a favorite TV theme song or a commitment to taking small steps toward a healthier lifestyle. As he proves each morning, a little motivation—whether from The A-Team or from within—can make all the difference.
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