• Faith: Christian - Catholic
• Career: Sportscaster
• Birthday:  March 22, 1952

Robert Costas is a sportscaster best known for his nearly four-decade tenure with NBC Sports, spanning from 1980 to 2019. Throughout his career, he has earned 28 Emmy Awards and served as the primetime host for 12 Olympic Games, from 1988 to 2016.

Bob Costas was born on March 22, 1952, in Queens, New York, to Jayne and John George Costas, a Greek-American electrical engineer. Raised in a culturally rich and bustling New York City environment, Costas developed an early love for baseball, which would be a cornerstone of his life and career. His parents emphasized the importance of education and integrity, values that guided him as he pursued his goals.

A dedicated student, Costas’s academic achievements eventually led him to Syracuse University, where he attended the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. His passion for broadcasting grew during his college years, and he began honing his skills with a clear vision of making it as a sports broadcaster.

After college, Costas's career began modestly with a role at KMOX Radio in St. Louis, Missouri. His first major position was calling games for the Spirits of St. Louis in the American Basketball Association (ABA), where his engaging style and meticulous preparation quickly garnered attention. This experience became a stepping stone to greater opportunities, leading him to NBC Sports, where he joined as a young broadcaster in 1980.

Costas’s work with NBC saw him become the face of American Olympic coverage. Starting in 1988, he hosted NBC’s Olympic broadcasts for 12 consecutive Games, up until 2016, making him a familiar presence for fans around the world. Costas brought a unique blend of excitement and gravitas to these broadcasts, masterfully balancing the thrill of the competition with thoughtful insights into the athletes’ journeys. His coverage earned him respect and numerous accolades, cementing his role as one of the most trusted voices in sports.

Beyond the Olympics, Costas covered a wide range of sporting events, including Super Bowls, World Series, NBA Finals, and the Kentucky Derby. His knowledge of the games and his ability to bring stories to life captivated viewers. Costas also hosted various shows, such as "NBC Sports World," "On the Record with Bob Costas," and "Costas Now" on HBO, where he tackled more in-depth sports issues, including the ethics of performance-enhancing drugs and the dangers of concussions in football.

Throughout his career, Costas’s love for baseball was particularly evident. He covered MLB games for over four decades, and in 2024, he announced his retirement from MLB play-by-play after 44 years. This marked the end of an era for baseball broadcasting, as Costas’s voice had become as iconic as the game itself, earning him the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018.

Costas has been married twice, first to Carole Krummenacher in 1983. The couple had two children together, Keith and Taylor, who have spoken warmly about the close relationship they share with their father.

However, Costas and Carole’s marriage ended in 2001, a difficult period for the broadcaster. In 2004, he married Jill Sutton, and the two have been happily together ever since. Jill has been a strong support for Costas, especially during the later years of his career, when he began to transition out of full-time broadcasting.

Bob Costas' Religious Beliefs

Raised in a Catholic household, Costas’s faith has been a steady, guiding force throughout his life. Though not one to speak frequently about his personal beliefs, those who know him recognize the impact of his Catholic values on both his personal and professional decisions. Costas has often navigated challenging topics in sports, from scandals to ethical dilemmas, with a sense of moral responsibility influenced by his upbringing.

Costas has occasionally opened up about his faith, sharing that it has been a source of strength and reflection, especially during times when he had to make difficult decisions. His dedication to fairness, integrity, and compassion in journalism speaks to these deeply held beliefs. Many colleagues and viewers have noted how Costas’s work is imbued with respect and empathy, qualities that reflect his values and faith.