CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus and former 'The NFL Today' co-panelist Brent Musburger have paid tribute to the former Miss America following her passing at the age of 70.
- May 18, 2020
AceShowbiz - Former Miss America and "The NFL Today" star Phyllis George has died aged 70.
The broadcaster died last week (May 14) due to complications from a blood disorder, and CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus honored her in a statement, according to Entertainment Tonight.
"The CBS Sports family is deeply saddened by the passing of Phyllis George, an icon in the sports broadcasting industry who contributed greatly to the rich history and tradition of CBS Sports," he said in his tribute.
Praising her chemistry with "The NFL Today" panellists she served with over the years, including Brent Musburger, Irv Cross and Jimmy 'The Greek' Snyder, he added, "Phyllis was not only a key member of a show that remains the gold standard of NFL pregame shows, The NFL Today with Brent, Irv and 'The Greek', but also a pioneer for all women in broadcasting."
Musburger also released a statement on social media, writing, "Phyllis didn't receive nearly enough credit for opening the sports broadcasting door for the dozens of talented women who took her lead and soared."
George, who became the first female sportscaster to work at a major TV network when she started working with CBS in 1974, also appeared as a co-host on "CBS Morning News", and provided coverage of the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes horse races over the course of her career.
She is survived by her two children with former Kentucky Governor John Brown, Jr, including CNN reporter Pamela Brown.
