50 Facts About Bob Costas

Early Life and Education

Bob Costas' journey to becoming a legendary sports broadcaster began in New York.

1. Bob Costas was born on March 22, 1952, in Queens, New York. Growing up on Long Island, he developed a passion for sports early on.

2. Costas attended Syracuse University, where he majored in communications. This was the foundation for his future career in broadcasting.

First Steps in Broadcasting

Costas' early career was marked by various roles that helped him hone his skills.

3. His first job in broadcasting was calling minor league hockey games for WSYR-TV and radio in Syracuse, New York, while still a student.

4. In 1974, Costas joined KMOX radio in St. Louis, becoming the play-by-play voice of the St. Louis ABA Spirits. This role gave him significant exposure.

5. He also became the radio voice of the University of Missouri basketball team during his time at KMOX. His articulate announcing style quickly caught the attention of major networks.

Rise to Fame with CBS and NBC

Costas' career took off as he joined major networks, gaining national recognition.

6. Before joining NBC, Costas worked at CBS-TV, covering small regional games during football and basketball seasons.

7. In 1980, NBC hired Costas to do NFL games and other assignments. He spent nearly 40 years with NBC, covering numerous major sporting events.

Awards and Recognitions

Bob Costas' excellence in broadcasting has been recognized with numerous awards.

8. Costas is a 29-time Emmy Award winner, making him the most awarded sports broadcaster in television history.

9. He has been named the National Sportscaster of the Year a record eight times. This accolade highlights his consistent excellence.

10. In 2012, Costas was elected to the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes his contributions to sports journalism.

11. Costas received the Walter Cronkite Award for distinction in journalism in 2012, underscoring his commitment to journalistic integrity.

12. In 2018, Costas was inducted into the broadcaster’s wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Ford C. Frick Award honors his excellence in baseball broadcasting.

Olympic and Major Event Coverage

Costas has been a prominent figure in covering major sporting events.

13. He has hosted eleven Olympics for NBC, including the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. His coverage has been highly acclaimed.

14. Costas has hosted seven Super Bowls, providing commentary for some of the most-watched television events in history.

15. He has been part of the coverage for seven World Series, either as a play-by-play announcer or host.

16. Costas has covered ten NBA Finals, contributing to NBC’s comprehensive coverage of basketball’s premier event.

17. Beyond the Super Bowl, World Series, and NBA Finals, Costas has also covered the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes, and U.S. Open Golf Championship.

Contributions to HBO and MLBN

Costas' versatility extends beyond NBC, with significant contributions to other networks.

18. In addition to NBC, Costas has contributed to HBO and MLBN. His collaborations with HBO have included various sports programs.

19. Costas published his book “Fair Ball: A Fan’s Case for Baseball” in 2000, which spent several weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List.

20. He has collaborated with Joe Garner on a series of coffee table books and audio sports histories, which have also been best sellers.

Interviews and Commentaries

Costas is known for his insightful interviews and thoughtful commentaries.

21. One of his most notable roles is conducting insightful interviews and providing thoughtful commentaries. His interview with Jerry Sandusky in 2011 was a critical part of NBC’s coverage of the Penn State scandal.

22. After concluding his quarter-century run as host of NBC’s Olympic coverage and Sunday Night Football, Costas increased his presence at MLBN.

Personal Life and Reflections

Despite his busy career, Costas has always valued his personal life and reflected on his journey.

23. Bob Costas is married to Jill and has two adult children, Keith and Taylor, from his previous marriage to Carole.

24. In 2024, Costas returned to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where his career began 50 years ago, reflecting on his early days.

25. The First Summit Arena, now home to the North American Hockey League’s Johnstown Tomahawks, welcomed Costas for his return to the city.

Memorable Moments and Contributions

Costas has been part of many memorable moments in sports history.

26. Costas reminisced about Muhammad Ali lighting the torch to begin the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. This moment was particularly poignant given Ali’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

27. In November 2011, Costas served as a correspondent with former NBC news anchor Brian Williams on the show Rock Center. This episode covered the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.

28. Reflecting on his 50th anniversary in the industry, Costas quipped, “I don’t know that I’ll be around for my 75th. I think this is going to wrap it up for me.”

Hall of Fame Inductions

Costas' contributions have been recognized with multiple Hall of Fame inductions.

29. In 2018, Costas was inducted into the National Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes his contributions to sports broadcasting.

30. The same year, he received the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcast excellence from the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Speaking Engagements and Public Appearances

Today, Costas is a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing his insights and experiences.

31. Bob Costas is a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing his insights and experiences in engaging and humorous presentations.

32. His speaking topics include “Sports in America: Is It Still Only a Game?” and “The View from the Bleacher Seats.”

33. Costas is known for his ability to engage audiences with his stories and observations. He often takes questions from the audience, making his presentations interactive.

Influences and Preparation

Costas' style and preparation have been influenced by legendary broadcasters and his own meticulous approach.

34. Growing up in the 1960s, Costas listened to legendary broadcasters like Mel Allen and Red Barber. These voices influenced his early aspirations.

35. At Syracuse University, Costas was influenced by the legendary announcer Marv Albert. Many students at the time were copying Albert’s expressions and rhythm.

36. Costas emphasizes the importance of developing one’s own style. He believes that one must find their own unique voice to excel in the field.

37. Before calling a game, Costas meticulously prepares by watching as much information as possible about the teams involved. He acts as an editor, selecting the most interesting and pertinent information.

38. The day before and the day of the game, Costas meets with managers to gain insight into the teams. He also talks to writers and broadcasters who cover the team regularly.

Addressing Uncomfortable Truths

Costas believes in addressing uncomfortable truths in sports, often using his platform to speak directly to viewers.

39. Costas believes it is his responsibility to address uncomfortable truths in sports. He often takes two minutes at halftime during Sunday Night Football to speak directly to viewers about NFL issues.

40. The release of the documentary “Concussion” in 2015 provided a natural topic for Costas to address head trauma in contact sports.

Legacy and Impact

Bob Costas' legacy in sports journalism is profound, setting a high standard for future broadcasters.

41. Costas’ legacy in sports journalism is profound. He has set a high standard for broadcasters, emphasizing integrity and excellence.

42. His contributions to baseball broadcasting are significant. The Ford C. Frick Award and his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame are testaments to his impact.

43. Despite his retirement from NBC, Costas continues to contribute to MLBN, where he can focus on his first love—baseball.

44. Costas is known for his authoritative voice in sports commentary. His ability to analyze games and provide thoughtful commentary has made him a household name.

45. His interviews are always engaging and insightful. Whether with athletes, coaches, or other sports personalities, Costas has a knack for asking the right questions.

46. Costas has been part of many historical moments in sports history. From calling championship games to hosting iconic events like the Olympics, he has captured the essence of these moments.

47. Beyond his professional achievements, Costas has also reflected on the personal sacrifices he made along the way. He has spoken about the long hours, travel, and pressure that come with being a sports broadcaster.

48. Through his experiences, Costas has learned valuable lessons about perseverance, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence.

49. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or simply curious about the inner workings of broadcasting, Costas’ story is inspiring. His journey from an aspiring broadcaster to a household name is a testament to hard work and dedication.

50. Bob Costas’ enduring legacy in sports journalism is a reminder that excellence in broadcasting is not just about winning awards but about leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

Bob Costas: A Legendary Career

Bob Costas has had an incredible journey in sports broadcasting. With a career spanning over five decades, he's become one of the most respected voices in the industry. From his early days calling minor league hockey games to hosting eleven Olympics for NBC, Costas has done it all. He's won 29 Emmy Awards, been named National Sportscaster of the Year eight times, and even earned a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame. His insightful interviews, engaging commentaries, and dedication to addressing tough issues have set him apart. Whether covering the Super Bowl, World Series, or NBA Finals, Costas brings a unique blend of knowledge and passion. His legacy in sports journalism is unmatched, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations. Bob Costas isn't just a broadcaster; he's a symbol of excellence in sports journalism.