John Motson

Date of Birth: July 10, 1945

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: February 23, 2023

Biography

John Motson, affectionately known as “Motty,” was one of the most iconic football commentators in the history of British sports broadcasting. Born in Salford, Lancashire, England, he grew up with a passion for football that would eventually propel him to the pinnacle of sports journalism. Motson began his career as a journalist at the Barnet Press and Sheffield Morning Telegraph before joining the BBC in 1968. He made his breakthrough in 1971 when he was assigned to cover the FA Cup replay between Hereford United and Newcastle United, a match that became legendary and showcased his talent for capturing the excitement of the game. Over the course of his career, Motson covered ten FIFA World Cups, ten UEFA European Championships, and 29 FA Cup finals. Known for his distinctive sheepskin coat and encyclopedic knowledge of football, Motson became a beloved figure in British sports. He officially retired from the BBC in 2018 after a career spanning nearly five decades. Throughout his life, Motson received numerous accolades, including being awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to sports broadcasting.

5 Interesting Facts about John Motson

1. John Motson was awarded the OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2001 for his services to sports broadcasting.

2. He covered over 2,000 football matches throughout his career.

3. Motson was known for his distinctive sheepskin coat, which he wore during cold-weather broadcasts.

4. He wrote several books on football, including “Motty: Forty Years in the Commentary Box” and “Motson’s National Obsession.”

5. His commentary style was characterized by a deep knowledge of football statistics and history, making him a reliable and entertaining source of information for fans.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Motson

1. “For those of you watching in black and white, Spurs are in the all-yellow strip.”

2. “The crazy gang have beaten the culture club.”

3. “And the World Cup is still gleaming!”

4. “It’s almost like he’s playing a piano with his feet.”

5. “The goals made such a difference, and that’s what football is all about.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, John Motson’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

John Motson had one son, Frederick “Fred” Motson, with his wife Anne. Fred has largely stayed out of the public eye but has been noted for his support of his father’s illustrious career.