Bob Costas Biography: Age, Wife, Illness

Bob Costas Biography: The Life and Career of a Legendary Sportscaster

Bob Costas is a highly respected and accomplished American sportscaster. He is best known for his long and successful career with NBC Sports, where he covered a wide range of sporting events, including the Olympics, Major League Baseball, and the NFL.

Currently, Costas works for MLB Network, TNT Sports, and CNN, where he continues to provide play-by-play commentary and studio work.

Career Highlights:

Began his career in radio at WSYR-TV and Radio in Syracuse.

Moved to KMOX Radio in St. Louis, where he gained experience in play-by-play commentary.

Joined NBC Sports in 1980, where he became a prominent figure in sports broadcasting.

Served as the prime-time host of 12 Olympic Games from 1988 to 2016.

Covered numerous Super Bowls, World Series, and other major sporting events.

Known for his insightful commentary, sharp interviewing skills, and distinctive voice.

Awards and Recognition:

Recipient of 28 Emmy Awards for his work in sports broadcasting.

Inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 2003.

Honored with the Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in baseball broadcasting in 2018.

Other Ventures:

Authored several books, including “Fair Ball: A Fan’s Case for Baseball.”

Hosted the interview show “Studio 42 with Bob Costas” on MLB Network.

Provided commentary for CNN and TNT Sports.

Legacy:

Bob Costas is considered one of the greatest sportscasters of all time. His insightful analysis, engaging personality, and deep knowledge of sports have made him a beloved figure among fans.

He has set a high standard for excellence in sports broadcasting and will be remembered for his significant contributions to the field.

Age:

Bob Costas, born on March 22, 1952, is currently 72 years old. His zodiac sign is Aries.

He has a mixed ethnic background, with Greek heritage from his father’s side and Irish descent from his mother’s side.

Bob Costas is an American by nationality, having grown up in New York and built his illustrious career in the United States.

Parents and Siblings:

Bob Costas was born to John George Costas and Jayne Costas (née Quinlan). His father, John, was of Greek descent, specifically from the island of Kalymnos in the Aegean Sea, and worked as an electrical engineer.

His mother, Jayne, was of Irish and German descent. Bob grew up in Commack, New York, where he attended Commack High School South.

Bob has a sister named Valerie Costas, but there isn’t much publicly available information about her.

Bob’s father passed away from a heart attack when Bob was just 17 years old, which had a profound impact on him. Despite this, Bob’s mother, Jayne, was known for her good-natured, self-deprecating humor.

Wife:

Bob Costas is currently married to Jill Sutton, who was born in 1972, making her 52 years old. Jill hails from El Paso, Texas, and they got married on March 12, 2004.

Jill has a degree from Illinois State University and serves on the Board of Directors at Potbelly Corporation.

Bob Costas has two children from his previous marriage to Carole Krummenacher. Their son, Keith Costas, was born in 1986, and their daughter, Taylor Costas, was born in 1989.

Height, Weight:

Bob Costas stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighs approximately 152 pounds (69 kg).

Career and Background:

Bob Costas began his broadcasting career at WSYR-TV in Syracuse, New York, shortly after graduating from Syracuse University.

He joined NBC Sports in 1980, where he spent over three decades covering major events, including the Olympics, Super Bowl, and World Series.

Known for his versatility, he has also worked with MLB Network and HBO, hosting programs such as Inside the NFL and Costas Tonight.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Bob Costas began his broadcasting journey at Syracuse University, where he worked at the student-run radio station WAER.

His initial foray into professional broadcasting came in 1973 when he worked for the Syracuse Blazers, a minor league hockey team.

Costas’s big break came when he joined KMOX radio in St. Louis, covering the American Basketball Association (ABA)‘s Spirits of St. Louis and the Missouri Tigers basketball team.

NBC Sports Tenure (1980-2019)

Bob Costas’s tenure at NBC Sports from 1980 to 2019 is marked by a series of landmark moments and significant contributions across various sports. Here’s a detailed look at his illustrious career during this period:

Early Days at NBC

1980: Costas joined NBC Sports at the age of 28. He quickly became known for his articulate and engaging commentary. His first significant assignment was covering the NFL and NBA games, where his style and approach gained him a loyal audience.

NFL Coverage

1982-1989: Costas became a prominent figure in NBC’s NFL coverage, hosting pre-game shows and providing play-by-play commentary. His role in programs like NFL Live and NFL on NBC made him a familiar face on Sunday afternoons. He was also part of the network’s Super Bowl broadcasts, offering insightful analysis and bringing the excitement of the game to viewers at home.

Olympic Games

1988-2016: One of Costas’s most notable roles at NBC was as the prime-time host for 12 Olympic Games. Starting with the 1988 Seoul Olympics and continuing through the 2016 Rio Olympics, Costas’s coverage was characterized by his deep knowledge of the sports, his ability to convey the emotions of the athletes, and his memorable moments, such as his heartfelt tribute during the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics following the September 11 attacks.

Major League Baseball

1982-2000: Costas was a significant part of NBC’s MLB coverage. He served as a play-by-play announcer and host for the network’s Game of the Week and covered various World Series. His in-depth understanding of baseball and his ability to narrate the game’s intricacies made him a beloved figure among baseball fans.

NBA Coverage

1990-2002: Costas was also a key figure in NBC’s NBA coverage. He hosted pre-game shows and provided commentary for major games, including the NBA Finals. His coverage of Michael Jordan’s final shot in the 1998 NBA Finals is still remembered as one of the iconic moments in sports broadcasting.

U.S. Open Golf

2003-2014: Costas hosted NBC’s coverage of the U.S. Open golf tournament. His ability to capture the drama and excitement of the tournament, along with his insightful commentary, made him a respected voice in the world of golf.

Boxing

Costas was involved in NBC’s boxing coverage, including the PBC on NBC series. He provided commentary and features on the storied history of boxing in New York City, showcasing his versatility as a sportscaster.

NASCAR

Costas also hosted NBC’s NASCAR coverage, bringing his expertise and enthusiasm to the world of motorsports.

During his tenure at NBC, Costas won numerous awards, including 28 Emmy Awards, making him one of the most decorated sportscasters in history.

He also received the prestigious Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.

Post-NBC Career

After leaving NBC in 2019, Bob Costas continued to make significant contributions to sports broadcasting. Here’s a detailed look at his post-NBC career:

MLB Network

In 2009, Bob Costas joined MLB Network, where he hosts and contributes to various shows.

One of his notable programs is “Studio 42 with Bob Costas”, where he conducts in-depth interviews with baseball legends, current players, and other sports figures.

The show has been well-received for its insightful discussions and Costas’s ability to connect with his guests.

TNT Sports

Costas also contributes to TNT Sports, particularly during the NBA season.

He provides commentary and analysis for major NBA games, bringing his wealth of experience and knowledge to the broadcasts.

CNN

As a commentator for CNN, Costas offers his insights on major sports events and issues.

His contributions extend beyond just sports commentary, as he often provides thoughtful analysis on the cultural and societal impact of sports.

His presence on CNN adds a reputable and experienced voice to their sports coverage.

Olympic Channel

Although Costas is no longer the prime-time host for the Olympics, he continues to be involved with the Olympic Channel.

He participates in discussions and retrospectives about past Olympic Games, sharing his unique perspective and experiences from his years of covering the event.

Public Speaking and Writing

In addition to his broadcasting duties, Costas is a sought-after public speaker.

He delivers speeches and participates in panel discussions at various events, sharing his insights on sports, media, and society.

Costas has also written essays and articles on sports-related topics, further showcasing his analytical skills and deep understanding of the sports world.

Advocacy and Charity Work

Costas is involved in various advocacy and charity efforts. He has been a vocal advocate for player safety, particularly regarding concussions and the long-term health effects of sports injuries.

He supports multiple charitable organizations and frequently participates in events to raise funds and awareness for various causes.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Bob Costas has received numerous awards, including 28 Emmy Awards, making him one of the most decorated sportscasters in history.

He is also a recipient of the prestigious Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame.

Here are the awards and recognitions of Bob Costas throughout his career, numbered for clarity:

Emmy Awards: Won a remarkable 28 Emmy Awards for outstanding achievement in sports broadcasting.

National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA) Awards:

- National Sportscaster of the Year: Named the National Sportscaster of the Year a record eight times by the NSSA.

Curt Gowdy Media Award: Received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.

Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism: Honored with the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2012.

Baseball Hall of Fame – Ford C. Frick Award: Awarded the Ford C. Frick Award by the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.

George Foster Peabody Award: Won several Peabody Awards for outstanding contributions to broadcasting.

TV Guide Award: Received the TV Guide Award for favorite sportscaster.

National Radio Hall of Fame: Inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2012.

Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2012.

Various Honorary Degrees: Awarded numerous honorary degrees from prestigious institutions in recognition of his contributions to journalism and broadcasting.

Influence and Legacy: Widely regarded as one of the greatest sportscasters of all time, known for his articulate commentary, in-depth analysis, and engaging storytelling.

These accolades underscore Bob Costas’s significant contributions to sports broadcasting and his status as a legendary figure in the field.

Notable Contributions and Style

Costas is known for his meticulous preparation, articulate delivery, and ability to convey the excitement and significance of sporting events.

His interviews with athletes and sports figures are renowned for their depth and insight, often revealing the human stories behind the sports.

Here are Bob Costas’s notable sports reports, numbered for clarity:

Olympic Coverage:
- Prime-time host for 12 Olympic Games from 1988 to 2016.
- Memorable moments like Nadia Comaneci’s perfect 10 and the Miracle on Ice.
NFL Coverage:
- Hosted NBC’s NFL coverage, including Super Bowl broadcasts.
- Known for in-depth analysis and engaging commentary.
NBA Coverage:
- Prominent voice for NBA on NBC.
- Coverage of iconic moments like Michael Jordan’s final shot in the 1998 NBA Finals.
Major League Baseball:
- Play-by-play commentary for MLB on NBC.
- Hosted the network’s Game of the Week and covered the World Series.
U.S. Open Golf:
- Hosted NBC’s coverage of the U.S. Open golf tournament from 2003 to 2014.
Boxing:
- Contributed to NBC’s boxing coverage, including the PBC on NBC series.
- Narrated and wrote features on the history of boxing in New York City.
NASCAR:
- Hosted NBC’s NASCAR coverage.
Interviews and Special Features:
- Hosted “Studio 42 with Bob Costas” on MLB Network.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with baseball legends and other sports figures.

Bob Costas Illness:

Bob Costas has faced a few health challenges over the years, most notably a severe case of viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

This infection caused red, itchy, and watery eyes, and it took a couple of weeks to fully resolve. Despite the discomfort, Costas continued to work and provide coverage for the games.

In addition to pink eye, there have been rumors and speculations about Bob Costas potentially dealing with Parkinson’s disease.

However, Costas himself has not publicly confirmed any diagnosis of Parkinson’s. He has remained active in his various roles within sports broadcasting, demonstrating his determination and commitment to maintaining his health.

Bob Costas’s ability to continue working through health challenges highlights his resilience and dedication to his craft.

Net Worth and Salary:

Bob Costas’s net worth and salary are impressive, reflecting his long and successful career in sports broadcasting:

Net Worth

Bob Costas’s net worth is estimated to be $50 million. This substantial amount is a result of his extensive career in sports journalism, spanning several decades and including numerous high-profile assignments and awards.

Salary

During his tenure at NBC Sports, Bob Costas earned an annual salary of $7 million. This high salary was a testament to his status as one of the most respected and well-known sportscasters in the industry.

Breakdown of Earnings

NBC Sports: As a central figure in NBC’s sports coverage, Costas earned a significant portion of his income from his work with the network, including hosting major events like the Olympics, NFL games, NBA games, MLB games, and more.

MLB Network: Since joining MLB Network in 2009, Costas has continued to earn a substantial income through his hosting duties, particularly with his show “Studio 42 with Bob Costas.”

TNT Sports: Costas’s contributions to TNT Sports, especially during the NBA season, also contribute to his earnings.

Public Speaking and Writing: Costas has earned additional income through public speaking engagements and his written work, including essays and articles on sports-related topics.

Awards and Honors: While not directly contributing to his net worth, the numerous awards and recognitions he has received over the years have further solidified his reputation and marketability.

Bob Costas’s financial success is a reflection of his talent, dedication, and the significant impact he has had on sports broadcasting.

Is Bob Costas Married?

Yes, Bob Costas is married. He is currently married to Jill Sutton, whom he wed on March 12, 2004.

Jill Sutton is known for keeping a low profile and prefers to stay out of the limelight. Before Jill, Bob was married to Carole Krumenacher for 18 years, but they divorced in 2001.

Bob and Jill have enjoyed a blissful marriage and reside between their homes in New York and St. Louis.

While they don’t have children together, Bob has two children from his previous marriage: a son, Keith Costas, and a daughter, Taylor Costas.

How Old Is Bob Costas?

Bob Costas was born on March 22, 1952, which makes him 72 years old as of 2024. He celebrates his birthday every year on March 22nd.

Where Is Bob Costas Working At?

Bob Costas has announced his retirement from MLB play-by-play duties after more than four decades in the field. However, he is not completely stepping away from broadcasting. Here are his current roles:

Current Roles

MLB Network: Bob Costas continues to work with MLB Network. He contributes to various shows, including “The Sounds of Baseball,” “MLB Now,” “MLB Network Showcase,” and “Costas at the Movies”.

TNT Sports: While he has retired from MLB play-by-play, Costas still provides commentary and analysis for NBA games on TNT Sports.

CNN: Bob Costas also offers his insights and commentary on major sports events and issues for CNN.

Retirement Status

Bob Costas officially retired from MLB play-by-play commentary after the 2024 season.

His final game broadcast was for TBS during the American League Division Series between the Yankees and Royals.

Although he has retired from the play-by-play role, he remains active in other capacities within the sports broadcasting industry.

Bob Costas is not active on social media. He has confirmed that any accounts in his name are fake.

Costas has expressed his disinterest in joining social media platforms like Twitter, stating that he would rather engage in other activities.