He may have been a polarizing character, but love him or hate him, you can not deny the legendary career of Howard Cosell. For being the man that told it like it is, Cosell received death threats and at times, required armed guards for protection. He was labeled as transformative and subversive, and undeniably, changed the face of sports on television. He was destined, and achieved his goal of bringing journalism to sports broadcasting.
Thanks to his vigorous research, Ribowsky guides us through the branches of Cosell’s complex story, and sheds light on the complicated man behind the microphone. He was often imitated but certainly never duplicated. The television icon may have sported an enormousness ego, but he never shied away from giving his audience to the true story as he perceived it. He even lobbied against Major League Baseball’s dreaded reserve clause.
The author shares the story of Cosell’s first meeting with Frank Gifford. Gifford expected Cosell to ask him easy questions, but as he would often do, Cosell flipped the script. Gifford would attempt to steer clear of the outspoken announcer over the years, but of course, their paths were destined to cross again when a fledgling network wanted to find out if the public would watch professional football on Monday nights. Cosell was instrumental in the shows instant success, helping make it must see television.
In addition to Monday Night Football, Cosell gave us some of the most iconic calls of the Olympics, and many of the Muhammad Ali boxing matches. Cosell gave us “Down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier, down goes Frazier” during a Joe Frazier vs. George Foreman showdown. Cosell also broke the news of the shooting of John Lennon during a MNF broadcast. He was truly one of a kind, and Ribowsky shares his fascinating story.
By: Mark Ribowsky
Narrated by: Brian Holsopple
Length: 18 hrs and 24 mins
Publisher: Audible Studios