The First Lady of Football Journalism

We lost a great pioneer on May 16, 2020 in Phyllis George. In 1975 Phyllis did a very brave thing when she and CBS aired her on the popular very male dominated Sunday pregame show NFL Today as a co-anchor. Here was this lovely 1971 Miss America beauty queen speaking about NFL football alongside Brent Musberger, Irv Cross and Jimmy “the Greek” Snyder. Women weren’t part of football at that time, heck it was a man’s program. Not anymore, thanks to Phyllis George.

Phyllis George was born on June 25, 1949 in Denton, Texas and as a youth she was trained as a classical pianist. She was proud of where she came from as evident in a 1985 interview, when she said,"I am from Denton, Texas, and I will never let you or anybody else forget that, I am a small-town girl from a small town and a small-town family. If I hadn't come from Denton, I wouldn't be sitting here right now with this great job and my great husband and my beautiful children."

The husband she spoke fondly of was none other than the former Governor of Kentucky. John Y. Brown. The couple married in 1979 and later divorced in 1998, but not before raising two children who were born while the family lived in the Governor's mansion.

Phyllis had a triple threat of beauty, brains and bravery that propelled her to her many successes. She won the Miss Texas 1970 title and the Miss America crown in 1971 using her talent, gift of graceful intelligent speech and yes her beautiful aura and smile.

Let’s not forget that day in September 1975 though on CBS. The bravery it must have taken to break the barrier was enormous. Phyllis' success and acceptance by men watching football opened the doors for the many women who work in sports journalism today.

This hard working lady not only was broadcasted during football but she also was seen on the Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, The Rose Bowl and even the Super Bowl. She even served a short stint as the anchor of the “CBS Morning News.” After her broadcasting career she created a chicken dish sold by Hormel Foods, authored a book and later founded a women’s beauty line that was marketed. This strong woman even fought a rare blood disease for 35 years, outliving the medical prognosis by over ten years!

Phyllis George had a magnetic personality and an unwavering drive that made her a success at almost everything she did. Her legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren and on every sport show on every network that has a woman broadcaster.

Phyllis George was truly a national treasure and a great Inspiration Sensation!

The evolution of American football isn't confined to the gridiron itself.  Behind the scenes, figures in sports media have revolutionized how the game is consumed. From the insightful analysis of the "Analyst" to the captivating storytelling of the "Announcer" and "Broadcaster," these professionals bring the game to life for fans.  The "Press Box" buzzes with activity as reporters file stories, while a "Press Credential" grants access to the heart of the action.  Technological advancements, like the "Replay Booth," have ensured greater accuracy in officiating, while the "Sideline Report" provides fans with real-time updates from the field.

Before the game even begins, the "Pregame Show" sets the stage with expert predictions and in-depth analysis, and after the final whistle, the "Postgame Show" dissects every play.    Even the way we rank teams has changed, with the rise of the "Power Ranking" becoming a staple of sports discourse.  All of these elements, amplified by the ubiquitous presence of "Headphones" connecting everyone from coaches to commentators, have transformed the landscape of sports media and forever altered the way we experience American football.

Here are some definitions of the terms used in this section:

*   **Analyst:** A person who provides expert commentary and analysis on a sporting event, often breaking down plays, strategies, and player performance. They typically have a deep understanding of the game and can offer insights beyond what casual viewers might observe.

*   **Announcer:** A person who provides a live, play-by-play description of a sporting event, often focusing on the action on the field and providing basic information about the game.

*   **Broadcaster:** A person who presents or comments on a television or radio program, often encompassing both the play-by-play description and the analysis of a sporting event. The term can be used interchangeably with announcer, though sometimes a broadcaster may host a show and introduce segments while the announcer does the play-by-play.

*   **Headphones:** Small speakers worn on or in the ears, often used by broadcasters, coaches, and other personnel to receive information, communicate with others, or listen to audio feeds during a sporting event.

*   **Postgame Show:** A television or radio program that airs immediately after a sporting event, typically featuring analysis, interviews with players and coaches, and highlights from the game.

*   **Power Ranking:** A subjective ranking of teams, often in a league or conference, based on their recent performance, overall record, and perceived strength. Power rankings are often used by sports media to generate discussion and debate.

*   **Pregame Show:** A television or radio program that airs before a sporting event, typically featuring previews, predictions, analysis, and interviews with players and coaches.

*   **Press Box:** A designated area at a sporting venue reserved for members of the media, including reporters, broadcasters, and photographers. It often provides a clear view of the field and access to amenities such as Wi-Fi and power outlets.

*   **Press Credential:** A badge or identification card that grants access to restricted areas of a sporting event, such as the press box, locker rooms, and sidelines. These are typically issued to members of the media.

*   **Replay Booth:** A location, often near the field or in a separate room, where officials review replays of plays to make decisions about calls on the field. This is used to ensure accuracy and fairness in officiating.

*   **Sideline Report:** Live updates and information provided by a reporter who is stationed on the sidelines of a sporting event. These reports often include injury updates, insights into coaching decisions, and observations about the game.

*   **Sports Media:** The various forms of media that cover and report on sports, including television, radio, print, and online publications. This encompasses everything from live broadcasts to written articles to social media content.
 

Image is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com from Laurel Maryland, USA of From Wash D.C. Library of congress celebration 2000.