Deaths on April 23

Howard Cosell, American lawyer and journalist (b. 1918)

Born Howard William Cohen on March 25, 1918, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who later became widely known as Howard Cosell, was a transformative figure in American sports media. He was a prominent sports journalist, broadcaster, and author whose distinctive voice and style left an indelible mark on the industry until his passing on April 23, 1995. Cosell's career truly soared during his extensive tenure with ABC Sports, a partnership that spanned from 1953 until 1985. It was during this period that Cosell rose to unparalleled prominence and influence, becoming a household name synonymous with major sporting events and a revolutionary approach to sports commentary.

A Distinctive Voice Emerges

Cosell was renowned, and often reviled, for his unmistakably blustery and supremely confident personality. He possessed a verbose, almost theatrical delivery, often speaking with an authoritative cadence that both captivated and exasperated audiences. With characteristic self-awareness, he once famously quipped, "I've been called arrogant, pompous, obnoxious, vain, cruel, verbose, a showoff. And, of course, I am." This candid self-assessment perfectly encapsulated the complex persona he projected, one that was unapologetically himself, whether loved or loathed.

Revolutionizing Sports Commentary

Given his larger-than-life ego and confrontational style, it was perhaps inevitable that fans and media critics alike would bestow upon him the sardonic nickname "Humble Howard." This ironic moniker underscored his reputation for outspokenness and self-importance, contrasting sharply with the humility often expected of public figures. Indeed, as The New York Times eloquently noted in its obituary for Cosell, his arrival in sports broadcasting during the mid-1950s marked a profound shift. At a time when the prevailing style was one of "unabashed adulation" – a deferential praise for athletes and the games themselves – Cosell dared to offer a "brassy counterpoint." His approach, initially met with ridicule and resistance for its blunt honesty and critical edge, gradually gained traction. Over time, this audacious style was not only accepted but widely emulated, eventually becoming the dominant note and a benchmark for sports broadcasting, forever altering how sports were discussed and perceived by the public.

The Cosellian Style: Antagonism and Insight

His analytical, often pugnacious commentary stood in stark contrast to the understated, "less is more" approach favored by contemporaries like Ray Scott, who was celebrated for his concise and often poetic brevity. Cosell wasn't afraid to be antagonistic, even adopting an "almost heel-like commentary" at times, a style more typically associated with wrestling villains than revered journalists. A memorable instance of this was his pointed criticism of then-Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw. Cosell notoriously suggested that Bradshaw lacked the intellectual capacity required to consistently win at the highest levels of the National Football League, a controversial assessment that drew both ire and significant media attention, highlighting his willingness to challenge popular narratives.

Legacy and Lasting Influence

Despite, or perhaps because of, his polarizing nature, Cosell’s impact was undeniable. He brought an intellectual rigor and an unprecedented level of journalistic scrutiny to sports, transforming it from mere entertainment to a subject worthy of serious analysis and critical debate. In 1993, just two years before his passing, TV Guide fittingly acknowledged his monumental contribution by naming Howard Cosell "The All-Time Best Sportscaster" in its special issue commemorating 40 years of television. This prestigious accolade solidified his place as an icon in media history, recognizing his enduring influence on how sports are covered and consumed.

FAQs About Howard Cosell

What was Howard Cosell's original name?

Howard Cosell was born Howard William Cohen. He later changed his surname to Cosell, which became the name he was famously known by throughout his career.

Which network was Howard Cosell primarily associated with?

Howard Cosell spent the most significant and influential period of his career with ABC Sports, where he worked from 1953 until 1985. It was with ABC that he became a household name and revolutionized sports broadcasting.

What made Howard Cosell's broadcasting style unique?

Cosell's style was unique for its blustery, confident, and often verbose nature. He offered a "brassy counterpoint" to the prevailing "unabashed adulation" in sports commentary, bringing a critical, analytical, and sometimes antagonistic approach that was groundbreaking and highly influential.

Why was he sardonically nicknamed "Humble Howard"?

Given his very public displays of confidence, self-awareness of his own talent, and often confrontational personality, fans and media critics sarcastically dubbed him "Humble Howard." The nickname was an ironic jab at his larger-than-life ego.

How did Howard Cosell impact sports journalism?

Cosell significantly transformed sports journalism by introducing a more critical, analytical, and honest style of commentary. He challenged the traditional deferential approach to athletes and games, paving the way for more in-depth, sometimes controversial, and intellectually engaging sports coverage, which eventually became the dominant standard in the industry.