The Mt. Rushmore of ABC Sports broadcasters

[TMC]

Next year (September 2026), will officially mark 20 years since the American Broadcasting Company's in-house sports division, ABC Sports was fully absorbed into its sister company (through their shared ownership by The Walt Disney Company) ESPN and rebranded on-air as "ESPN on ABC".

With that being said, who would say is the single greatest broadcaster in the previously illustrious history of what was then known as ABC Sports?

Who belongs on a Mt. Rushmore of American Broadcasting Company sports broadcasters?

Howard Cosell: Known for his distinctive, outspoken personality and "telling it like it was," Cosell became the face and voice of many of ABC's biggest prime-time shows, most notably Monday Night Football. His polarizing style and intelligent commentary, combined with his unique dynamic with fellow commentators and athletes like Muhammad Ali, changed the nature of sports broadcasting forever.

Jim McKay: The longtime host of the iconic ABC's Wide World of Sports, McKay brought a vast array of global athletics into American living rooms. His reporting during the tragic 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, in particular, cemented his legacy as a journalist who could cover serious news with sensitivity and professionalism, making him arguably the greatest American sports broadcaster of the 20th century.

Keith Jackson: Widely regarded as the definitive voice of college football for four decades, Jackson's deep, authoritative, and folksy tone was synonymous with the sport. He was the first play-by-play announcer for Monday Night Football and covered a variety of other sports, but his signature "Whoa, Nellie!" and his calls of college games made him a beloved figure in sports history.

Al Michaels: Michaels served as the lead play-by-play voice of Monday Night Football for nearly two decades and called what is arguably the greatest moment in American sports history: the "Miracle on Ice" at the 1980 Winter Olympics. His ability to capture the gravity of significant events with precision and passion has made him one of the most respected and recognized voices in the field, covering the championships of all four major American sports.

If we were to assemble a “Mt. Rushmore” of ABC Sports broadcasters, we’d want to include those who left the most enduring impact on sports broadcasting, helped define ABC’s identity, and were widely recognized by viewers. Here’s a strong candidate list:

1. Howard Cosell

Role: Lead analyst and personality on Monday Night Football (1970–1983) and other ABC Sports programming.

Why Mount Rushmore-worthy: Cosell was larger than life—brash, intelligent, and controversial. He transformed sports commentary into something more narrative-driven and opinionated, bringing credibility and flair to ABC’s football coverage. His voice became synonymous with big sporting events of the era.

2. Keith Jackson

Role: Play-by-play announcer for college football, Olympics, and other major ABC events.

Why Mount Rushmore-worthy: Jackson’s warm, folksy style and distinctive voice defined ABC’s college football coverage for decades. His iconic calls (e.g., “Whoa, Nellie!”) helped elevate ABC’s sports identity and left a lasting impression on generations of fans.

3. Al Michaels

Role: Play-by-play announcer for Monday Night Football, the Olympics, and other ABC sports events.

Why Mount Rushmore-worthy: Michaels is one of the most versatile and trusted voices in sports history. His emotional call of the “Miracle on Ice” (1980 Winter Olympics) and his tenure on Monday Night Football solidified his status as a broadcasting legend.

4. Jim McKay

Role: Host of ABC’s Wide World of Sports (1961–2003)

Why Mount Rushmore-worthy: McKay was the face of ABC’s diverse sports coverage. From the Olympics to lesser-known events, he brought gravitas, storytelling, and human interest to sports. His coverage of tragedies, like the Munich massacre in 1972, showed his journalistic depth beyond play-by-play.

The most widely recognized Mt. Rushmore of ABC Sports broadcasters includes Howard Cosell, Jim McKay, Keith Jackson, and Al Michaels; these four are most frequently cited for their lasting impact, signature style, and historic coverage moments.

• Howard Cosell: Famous for Monday Night Football, boxing, and a distinctive, sometimes polarizing delivery. Cosell pioneered a more candid, personality-driven style and shaped ABC Sports coverage for decades.​
  
• Jim McKay: Longtime host of Wide World of Sports, remembered for his empathetic reporting during the Munich Olympics and iconic phrase, "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat".​
  
• Keith Jackson: The defining voice of college football, whose folksy commentary and catchphrases became synonymous with ABC Saturday broadcasts.​
  
• Al Michaels: Known for NFL coverage and, most famously, the call of the "Miracle on Ice" during the 1980 Winter Olympics.​

Other influential ABC figures sometimes mentioned include Roone Arledge (executive/innovator), Frank Gifford (football), and Chris Schenkel (variety coverage), but Cosell, McKay, Jackson, and Michaels best represent "Mount Rushmore" status for ABC Sports.

[Dude111]

Def Howard!!!!

[AMackII]

Howard Cosell

[KurtfromPitts]

I voted for other-Chris Schenkel. Excellent and underrated IMO.