Howard Cosell

Date of Birth: March 25, 1918

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: April 23, 1995

Biography

Howard William Cosell, born Howard William Cohen, was an American lawyer, author, and sports broadcaster who became one of the most influential sports journalists of the 20th century. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Cosell moved to Brooklyn, New York, with his family when he was a child. He graduated from New York University School of Law and practiced law in Manhattan before venturing into sports broadcasting in the 1950s. Initially, Cosell provided commentary for Little League games, but his career took off when he joined ABC Sports in 1956. Known for his distinctive voice, intellectual commentary, and often controversial opinions, Cosell became a household name through his work on “Monday Night Football” and his association with boxing legend Muhammad Ali. He was a pioneer in sports journalism, bringing a level of seriousness and analysis that was previously unseen in the field.

5 Interesting Facts about Howard Cosell

1. Howard Cosell was originally named Howard William Cohen but changed his surname to Cosell, a derivative of “Cohen” and “Selig,” his family’s original surname.

2. Cosell served in the United States Army Transportation Corps during World War II, where he achieved the rank of major.

3. He was one of the first major sports commentators to address the issue of race, famously defending Muhammad Ali during his controversial career.

4. Cosell was known for his catchphrase, “I’m just telling it like it is,” which became synonymous with his straightforward and sometimes abrasive style.

5. He won three Emmy Awards for his work in sports broadcasting and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1994.