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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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She was a beautiful lady. Remember her on football all those years ago.
I always remember her from the Monday nite Cowboy games. She’d have dandy don saying “ How About Those Cowboys”. My girl friend had to watch the game with me and dress like her if she could. I was a big fan of codoroy skirts, sweaters, knee socks and penny loafers. It was fun.
I believe she also knew the recipe for KFC’s original gravy, which was ambrosia before the bean counters substituted library paste.
I believe your memory loops have gotten crossed as Monday Night Football was an ABC production in the Dandy Don Meredith days. Phyllis George worked for CBS.
I was the rare girl in the neighborhood that liked football, still do. Having 3 older brothers with my dad watching the Aints(as the were not so affectionately known) play every Sunday. Poor Archie Manning! Lol
So I remember watching the pregame show. She was so pretty yet professional & demure. Class act.
Yet without the screeching about toxic masculinity, war on women etc.
You don’t think she had to endure the cat calls & ogling?? You betcha.
Anyone happen to know where she resided in recent years?
My sister stayed in the same dorm building at NTSU (now UNT) with her, but was one year younger.
In the late ‘80s and ‘90s, I sometimes was stuck playing golf with her dad in scramble tournaments at the Denton CC. He was a total jerk who tried to live through his daughter’s success (and a lousy golfer, to boot)! He just had to tell everyone, all the time, over and over, about HIS daughter being Miss America.
She was a pretty woman and not a bit snooty. Sorry to hear she has died.
How come Texas has the prettiest girls?
Heck, I’m 10 years beyond that! Damn right 70 is too young!
“I didn’t understand class till later in life but the girl had it. “
As is true for Texas women...and southern women in general (the native type and not the northeast transplants).
ahh, yes...Brent, Irv and Phyllis filling us in on the NFL in the days before it was a 24 hour media bombardment. I remember in particular her very awkward interview with Roger Staubach where he talked about his sex life.
Beautiful and gracious. RIP.
Brown told the Courier-Journal. “We had a great partnership. I think we enjoyed every single day
Then why did they get divorced.
I believe the reason she left NFL Today was that he was Governor of Kentucky and the constant separation was becoming too much of a strain.The
At the end of the day I guess it couldn’t be fixed.
Prayers to Phyllis George’s family. RIP... You had class and beauty. She knew football.
RIP Phyllis. ° Tell Jimmy the Greek we said hi.
RIP.
She died in Lexington, Kentucky, so that’s likely where she’s been living (or thereabouts).
Many thanks. My Lexington-born Mom wanted to know.
RIP......May her soul be blessed
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