Howard Cosell, born in 1918, began his broadcasting career in the 1950s, a time when sports journalism was still in its infancy. He started as a radio announcer, covering a wide range of sports, from baseball and basketball to boxing and football.

His distinctive voice and candid commentary style quickly set him apart. Cosell’s ability to blend sports analysis with social commentary and pop culture references resonated with audiences, making him a household name.

Howard Cosell’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, Howard Cosell’s net worth is estimated to be $10 million. This figure reflects his successful career in broadcasting and his enduring influence on the sports journalism industry.

Career

Howard Cosell was a prominent American sports journalist, best known for his work with ABC Sports. He covered major sporting events like Monday Night Football, the Olympics, and boxing matches, including the iconic “Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Cosell’s distinctive voice and candid commentary made him a household name.

Other Ventures

Besides his broadcasting career, Cosell ventured into writing. He authored several books, including “I Never Played the Game,” which was a New York Times bestseller. He also had a brief stint in acting, appearing in films like “The Longest Yard” and “Silent Movie.”

Assets

Cosell’s assets included his extensive library of sports memorabilia, accumulated over his decades-long career. He also owned properties in New York City and Florida. His estate, valued at around $10 million, was reportedly left to his family and various charities upon his death in 1995.

Annual Income

At the peak of his career, Cosell’s annual income was estimated to be around $1 million. This was primarily from his broadcasting work with ABC Sports. His income also came from his book royalties and occasional acting gigs.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Howard Cosell

Howard Cosell Net Worth

Howard Cosell was an American sports journalist who had a net worth of $50 million at the time of his death in 1995.

What was Howard Cosell’s annual salary?

Cosell’s annual salary varied throughout his career. At the peak of his career with ABC Sports, he was reportedly earning around $1 million per year.

How did Howard Cosell make his money?

Cosell made his money primarily through his career as a sports journalist. He was a pioneer in the field, known for his distinctive style and catchphrases. He worked for ABC Sports for many years, covering events such as Monday Night Football, boxing matches, and the Olympics.

What was Howard Cosell’s most famous catchphrase?

Cosell’s most famous catchphrase was “Down goes Frazier! Down goes Frazier!” which he exclaimed during the “Fight of the Century” between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1971.

What other notable events did Howard Cosell cover?

Cosell covered many notable events throughout his career, including the 1972 Summer Olympics, the 1972 U.S. Presidential Election, and the 1973 World Series. He was also known for his coverage of boxing, including the “Rumble in the Jungle” between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974.

Did Howard Cosell have any acting roles?

Yes, Cosell had a few acting roles throughout his career. He appeared in the films “The Longest Yard” (1974) and “The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!” (1988), as well as the television show “The Simpsons” in 1992.

What awards did Howard Cosell receive?

Cosell received many awards and honors throughout his career. He was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 1979, and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983.

How tall was Howard Cosell?

Cosell was 5 feet 10 inches tall.

What was Howard Cosell’s cause of death?

Cosell died of a heart attack on April 25, 1995, at the age of 77.

Did Howard Cosell have any children?

Yes, Cosell had three children with his wife, Emily Klein. Their names are Mark, Hilary, and Eric.