Cosell, Howard (1918-1995), was one of the best-known and most controversial personalities in the history of American sports broadcasting. Cosell gained fame for his outspoken opinions on sports as well as for his distinctive clipped speaking style and vast memory for sports facts. He is credited with introducing a new sense of depth and realism to sports broadcast journalism.
Cosell first gained attention during the 1960’s as a boxing commentator. He achieved even greater recognition as a commentator on “Monday Night Football” from its beginning in 1970 to his retirement in 1983. He coined the phrase “telling it like it is,” which became identified with his style.
Cosell was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. His real name was Howard William Cohen. He received a law degree from New York University, where he was editor of the Law Review and a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Cosell practiced law in New York City from 1946 to 1956, when he became host of “Sports Focus,” a radio talk show. The show lasted for 18 months. Cosell became a sports reporter for a New York City television station in 1961 and then appeared as a boxing commentator. His support of controversial boxing champion Muhammad Ali during the 1960’s gave Cosell national prominence.
Cosell’s brash, aggressive style on “Monday Night Football” aroused a passionate response among viewers, both favorable and unfavorable. He was largely responsible for an enormous jump in the program’s ratings. He also won recognition for his insightful interviews with sports figures. Cosell wrote two autobiographies, Cosell (1973) and I Never Played the Game (1985).
