Howard Cosell

American sports broadcaster and commentator who virtually invented and re-defined sports casting with his unique, blunt and caustic style. He is perhaps the most controversial and provocative broadcaster in the history of sports on radio and television. He had a slouch, a toupee and a Phi Beta Kappa key, and with a voice that could shatter glass, he broke the mold, an original. For 14 years on Monday Night Football, he was the most loved or most hated sportscaster.

Cosell was raised in Brooklyn, New York, the son of an accountant and grandson of a Rabbi. Cosell wanted to be a newspaperman but was urged by his parents to pursue a career in law. In the US Army, he rose to the rank of Major during WWII. A top student, he graduated from New York University School of Law in 1940. His clients were often those in sports and the entertainment industry, stimulating an increase in his innate interest in sports. In 1953, he was hired to host an ABC Radio Little League Show, a panel show of youngsters interviewing professional players. This project was scheduled to run originally for six weeks but remained on the air for five years. Cosell juggled the show along with his law career until 1956 when he was offered a radio spot on ABC.

In 1944, he married Mary Edith Abrams, whom he affectionately called Emmy. He described her as being the most important person in his life. Together they had two daughters, Jill and Hillary, who went on to give them five grandchildren.

Cosell's manner was acerbic, sarcastic and egotistical, still no one could call a play as he did. He quickly became a celebrity with his flair for show business and love of center stage. He was often described as 'the man you love to hate." His tell-it-like-it-is personality won him much praise as well as criticism. He is quoted as saying, "I told it the way I thought it was and still tell it the way I think it is." Off-camera he appeared somewhat insecure, yet Cosell was courageous and ignored the abuse.