Posted on 05/16/2020 8:51:20 PM PDT by nickcarraway
She was a beauty queen and former Miss America, but NFL fans know Phyllis George as the first women’s sportscaster.
According to reports, George, who co-hosted CBS’s NFL Today show in the 1970s and 1980s, died Thursday at the age of 70.
She died from complications from a blood disorder, her ex-husband, former Kentucky Gov. John Brown Jr., told the Louisville Courier-Journal on Saturday.
“Phyllis was a great asset to Kentucky,” Brown told the Courier-Journal. “We had a great partnership. I think we enjoyed every single day.”
George, who was born in Denton, Texas, in 1949, was crowned Miss America in 1970 in Atlantic City, N.J., after winning the Miss Texas pageant.
In 1974, she was hired by CBS as the first female sportscaster to work at a major TV network. A year later, she worked the network’s popular pre-game show, NFL Today, working alongside Brent Musburger, Irv Cross and Jimmy the Greek.
“The CBS Sports family is deeply saddened by the passing of Phyllis George, an icon in the sports broadcasting industry who contributed greatly to the rich history and tradition of CBS Sports,” Sean McManus, chairman of CBS Sports, said in a statement. “Phyllis was not only a key member of a show that remains the gold standard of NFL pregame shows, the NFL Today with Brent, Irv and ‘The Greek,’ but also a pioneer for all women in broadcasting.”
She also covered some big horse races, including the Belmont Stakes.
Musburger tweeted out Saturday that George didn’t receive enough credit for opening the door for other female sports broadcasters who came after her.
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We graduated from the same high school in Denton, Texas. We had another Miss America from our school as well. Shirley Cothran.
Ah, those were the days. The poster of Farrah Fawcett on the wall, watching the NFL back then. Then watching those old NFL clips with the booming (Voice of God) voice of John Facenda. ‘MMEERRICAA!!
She knew her football.
Such a beauty. She had such a femininity about her that allowed her to carry out the “lady sports reporter” role without trying to be either butch or dumb. Very few since could have replaced her.
That was way back when Brent Musberger was “that young guy” - as my mom used to call him. :)
I remember her. She was very pleasant on the air.
Professional, but not robotic. Many attractive women back then would try too hard to be taken seriously. Helen Ready music was still in the cultural air. From what I can recall this lady always maintained her sense of humor.
John Brown came to Western Kentucky University to campaign for governor. When his helicopter landed, everyone started yelling “We want Phyllis, we want Phyllis!” but she hadn’t accompanied him.
Within 5 minutes, the crowd lost 50-75% of its size.
He still won, but may not have without her smiling face along for the ride.
RIP. She did good football coverage. I think she turned, Merrideth and Cosells’ crank. They seemed to be infatuated. I was a young kid and I was.
Damn
Rest in peace.
All of my friends in the 70’s had a poster of Farrah on their wall.
I was in love with Phyllis George.
RIP, Darling.
Wow. That’s sad. 70 isn’t that old. Heck I’m just six years away from that.
It’s true. She wasn’t that old. She was gorgeous, seemed knowledgeable, and started us boys (I was 2 years younger) she got our motor running. She knew sports and had class. I didn’t understand class till later in life but the girl had it. I hope she’s in the NFL hall of fame. RIP we who are still alive will miss you greatly.
Oh my, only 9 years older than me. No wonder I liked her. That cute, all-American girl look.
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