An In-Depth Look at Howard Cosell Announcing the Death of John Lennon
Before the internet and social media, the news didn’t travel as fast as it does today. However, many Americans found out about the tragic death of John Lennon on December 8, 1980 the same way: From Howard Cosell on Monday Night Football.
“Remember: This is just a football game, no matter who wins or loses,” began Cosell. “An unspeakable tragedy confirmed to us by ABC News in New York City. John Lennon, outside of his apartment building on the west side of New York City, the most famous perhaps of all of The Beatles, shot twice in the back. Rushed to Roosevelt Hospital. Dead on arrival.”
Below is an ESPN “Outside The Lines” story that ran on the 30th anniversary of Lennon’s death that detailed the behind-the-scenes goings-on of Cosell’s now-infamous announcement and how the legendary sportscaster almost didn’t deliver the earth-shattering news.
The piece below features off-the-air audio of Cosell and announcer Frank Gifford discussing whether or not to break the news during the game. While Cosell was on the fence about breaking the news, Gifford tells him, “You’ve got to. If we know it, we’ve got to do it…Don’t hang on it. It’s a tragic moment and this is going to shake up the whole world.”
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareBritish rock group The Beatles perform in a club prior to signing their first recording contract, Liverpool, England, 1962. L-R: George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and original drummer Pete Best. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareJohn Lennon (1940-1980), guitarist and singer with the Beatles, pictured wearing hat with feathers attached during filming of 'Magical Mystery Tour' in a field near Newquay in Cornwall on 14th September 1967. (Photo by Chapman/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareMusician John Lennon (1940 - 1980) of English rock band the Beatles during the filming of 'Magical Mystery Tour' in the west of England, 16th September 1967. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareJohn Lennon (1940 - 1980) of the Beatles makes a guest appearance as a lavatory attendant in a Christmas special of the BBC2 comedy show 'Not Only...But Also', 28th November 1966. He and comedian Peter Cook (1937 - 1995) are filming the scene near Berwick Street Market in London. (Photo by Monti Spry/Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareBeatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney at London Airport after a trip to America to promote their new company Apple Corps, 16th May 1968. They are both dressed all in white and carrying apples. (Photo by Stroud/Express/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share22nd May 1967: The Beatles (clockwise from top left: Ringo Starr, George Harrison (1943 - 2001), John Lennon (1940 - 1980) and Paul McCartney) pose for a photocall to promote their new album 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'. (Photo by John Pratt/Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share13th September 1967: British rock group The Beatles, (left to right) John Lennon (1940 - 1980), Paul McCartney, George Harrison (1943 - 2001) and Ringo Starr, take a break during the filming of 'The Magical Mystery Tour' at Plymouth Hoe. (Photo by Jim Gray/Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share27th November 1966: British rock musician and member of The Beatles John Lennon (1940 - 1980), dressed as a Public Lavatory Commissionaire during the filming of the 'Not Only...But Also' Christmas Special, starring Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. He is outside a public convenience near Berwick Street, in London's Soho. (Photo by Ron Case/Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share1968: Three Beatles; from left to right John Lennon (1940 - 1980), George Harrison (1943 - 2001) and Paul McCartney, record voices in a studio for their new cartoon film 'Yellow Submarine'. (Photo by Keystone Features/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share18th July 1968: Beatle John Lennon (1940 - 1980) and his Japanese girlfriend Yoko Ono with Beatle Paul McCartney, right, at the premiere of the new Beatles film 'Yellow Submarine' at the London Pavilion. John and Paul hold apples, the symbol of their newly formed company, Apple Corps. Thousands of Beatle fans brought traffic to a standstill in Piccadilly Circus as they waited to see the group arrive at the premiere. (Photo by Michael Webb/Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share13th September 1967: John Lennon (1940 - 1980) signs autographs in Plymouth, a short stop off during the filming of 'The Magical Mystery Tour', a 60 minute Beatles spectacular for television, based on a coach journey through the West Country. (Photo by Jim Gray/Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share17th October 1967: A happy John Lennon (1940 - 1980) at the wheel of the ISO Rivolta S4 car which he bought for £6,150 at the preview of the Motor Show. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share1967: Beatles John Lennon (1940 - 1980) and George Harrison (1943 - 2001) in Newquay while filming 'The Magical Mystery Tour'. (Photo by Keystone Features/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share16th August 1966: John Lennon (1940 - 1980) of the Beatles, after making a formal apology for his controversial statement that the group were 'more popular than Jesus'. (Photo by Harry Benson/Express/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share13th September 1967: Beatle, John Lennon (1940 - 1980) during the making of 'The Magical Mystery Tour' in Devon. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareThe Beatles, one of the most famous groups in the history of pop music; from left to right, George Harrison (1943 - 2001), Ringo Starr, John Lennon (1940 - 1980), and in front, Paul McCartney, at the EMI studios in Abbey Road, as they prepare for 'Our World', a world-wide live television show broadcasting to 24 countries with a potential audience of 400 million. (Photo by BIPs/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareThe Beatles sporting multi-lingual 'Love Is All You Need' sandwich boards at the EMI studios in Abbey Road, as they prepare for 'Our World', a world-wide live television show broadcasting to 24 countries with a potential audience of 400 million. Original Publication: People Disc - HU0054 (Photo by Jim Gray/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareBritish singer-songwriter and musician John Lennon (1940 -1980) of The Beatles performing on stage at the London Palladium, UK, 13th October 1963. (Photo by Edward Wing/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareThe other members of British rock group the Beatles congratulate John Lennon on passing his driving test, 16th February 1965. From left to right, George Harrison, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareMusician, singer and songwriter John Lennon (1940 - 1980) of British rock group the Beatles and his first wife Cynthia arrive home at London Airport after a holiday in the South Seas with George Harrison and Pattie Boyd, 27th May 1964. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareMusician, singer and songwriter John Lennon (1940 - 1980) of British rock group the Beatles with his first wife Cynthia during the launch of his book 'In His Own Write' at the Dorchester Hotel in London, 23rd April 1964. (Photo by Douglas Miller/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareEnglish pop group The Beatles receiving awards from the Variety Club of Great Britain, 1963. Back row George Harrison, Paul McCartney, front row, Ringo Starr and John Lennon. (Photo by Daily Express/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareEnglish pop group The Beatles waving people as they arrive at London airport, England, Left to right, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon and George Harrison, on November 1, 1963. (Photo by Daily Express/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareJohn Lennon (1940 - 1980) of the Beatles plays the guitar in a hotel room in Paris, 16th January 1964. (Photo by Harry Benson/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share1966: John Lennon (1940 - 1980) of the Beatles. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share13th September 1964: Beatles Paul McCartney (left) and John Lennon (1940 - 1980) at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards held at the Dorchester, London. (Photo by William Vanderson/Fox Photos/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareJuly 1964: Ringo Starr being given the bumps by the other members of popular rock group The Beatles on his 24th birthday. From left to right, Paul McCartney, George Harrison (1943 - 2001), Ringo Starr and John Lennon. (Photo by Larry Ellis/Express/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareFebruary 1964: American heavyweight boxer Cassius Clay poses in the ring in mock victory over British pop group The Beatles, meeting the press in New York during an American tour. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareSeptember 1965: George Harrison (1943 - 2001, left) and John Lennon (1940 - 1980), of British pop group The Beatles, at London Airport. (Photo by Harry Thompson/Evening Standard/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareDecember 1963: The Beatles (clockwise from top left) Paul McCartney, John Lennon (1940 - 1980), George Harrison (1943 - 2001) and Ringo Starr, dressed in boaters and blazers during the filming of a television show 'Night of a Hundred Stars' with comedians Morecambe and Wise. (Photo by Ron Case/Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share19th March 1964: Labour leader Harold Wilson, centre, speaks to John Lennon (1940 - 1980), of the pop group The Beatles, as he presents the award for 'Show Business Personality of the Year' to the group at the Variety Club for Great Britain Show Business Awards luncheon held at the Dorchester Hotel, London. (Photo by Kent Gavin/Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share26th October 1965: Liverpudlian pop group The Beatles proudly display their MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) awards at a press reception held at the Saville Theatre after their Investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share1st November 1963: Two members of Liverpudlian pop group The Beatles, John Lennon (1940 - 1980), singer and guitarist, left, and Paul McCartney, singer and bass guitarist. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share23rd April 1964: Singer-songwriter John Lennon (1940 - 1980) of The Beatles, with his wife Cynthia at the Dorchester Hotel, London, for a Foyles Luncheon after the publication of his first book, 'In His Own Write'. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share10th February 1964: Beatlemania has hit big in New York. John Lennon (1940 - 1980), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, from left to right, enjoy a few moments away from the screaming fans when police smuggled them out of the side door of their hotel for a visit to New York's Central Park. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share14th October 1963: The Beatles (top to bottom) Paul McCartney, John Lennon (1940 - 1980), George Harrison (1943 - 2001) and Ringo Starr backstage at the London Palladium. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share28th April 1964: The Beatles in tudor costumes during rehearsals for Redifussion's television programme 'Round The Beatles'. Left to right : John Lennon (1940 - 1980), Ringo Starr, George Harrison (1943 - 2001) and Paul McCartney. (Photo by Roger Jackson/Central Press/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share1966: Beatles singer, songwriter and guitarist John Lennon (1940 -1980) performing against a lit backdrop. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share1964: John Lennon (1940 - 1980), singer, songwriter and guitarist with The Beatles, pictured at Foyle's Literary Luncheon in London. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share1966: John Lennon (1940 - 1980), singer, guitarist and songwriter with the Beatles, during a performance against a lit backdrop. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
Share25th November 1963: John Lennon (1940 - 1980), singer, guitarist and songwriter with the Beatles, plays an acoustic guitar during Granada TV's Late Scene Extra television show filmed in Manchester, England on November 25, 1963. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareAmerican television host Ed Sullivan smiles while standing with British rock group the Beatles on the set of his television variety series, New York, February 9, 1964. Left to right: Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Sullivan, John Lennon, Paul McCartney. (Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareDecember 1961: Singer, guitarist and songwriter John Lennon (1940 - 1980) of the British group The Beatles live on stage at the Cavern Club in Matthew Street, Liverpool. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareLeft to right: George Harrison (1943 - 2001), Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney and John Lennon (1940 - 1980) of The Beatles at a press conference at London Airport, 2nd July 1964, following a tour of Australia. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareSinger and songwriter John Lennon (1940 - 1980), of pop group The Beatles, with his wife Cynthia, wait for a flight to New York from London Airport. John is wearing the 15 guinea Mary Quant hat that has sparked a recent trend. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareThe Beatles on stage at the London Palladium during a performance in front of 2, 000 screaming fans. (Photo by Michael Webb/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareBritish rock group the Beatles performing their last live public concert on the rooftop of the Apple Organization building for director Michael Lindsey-Hogg's film documentary, 'Let It Be,' on Savile Row, London, UK, 30th January 1969; drummer Ringo Starr sits behind his kit, singer-songwriters Paul McCartney and John Lennon (1940 - 1980) perform at their microphones, and guitarist George Harrison (1943 - 2001) stands behind them. Lennon's wife Yoko Ono sits at right. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareBritish rock group the Beatles performing their last live public concert on the rooftop of the Apple Organization building for director Michael Lindsey-Hogg's film documentary, 'Let It Be,' on Savile Row, London, UK, 30th January 1969; singer-songwriters Paul McCartney and John Lennon (1940 - 1980) perform at their microphones, and guitarist George Harrison (1943 - 2001) on the right. Lennon's wife Yoko Ono sits at right. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareBritish rock group the Beatles performing their last live public concert on the rooftop of the Apple Organization building for director Michael Lindsey-Hogg's film documentary, 'Let It Be,' on Savile Row, London, UK, 30th January 1969; singer-songwriters Paul McCartney and John Lennon (1940 - 1980) perform at their microphones, and guitarist George Harrison (1943 - 2001) on the right. Lennon's wife Yoko Ono sits at right. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
John Lennon: Classic Beatles-Era Photos
ShareBritish rock group the Beatles performing their last live public concert on the rooftop of the Apple Organization building for director Michael Lindsey-Hogg's film documentary, 'Let It Be,' on Savile Row, London, UK, 30th January 1969; drummer Ringo Starr sits behind his kit, singer-songwriters Paul McCartney and John Lennon (1940 - 1980) perform at their microphones, and guitarist George Harrison (1943 - 2001) stands behind them. Lennon's wife Yoko Ono sits at right. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
