<P> Looking for a lightning rod to garner attention , Arledge hired controversial New York City sportscaster Howard Cosell as a commentator , along with veteran football play - by - play announcer Keith Jackson . Arledge had tried to lure Curt Gowdy and then Vin Scully to ABC for the MNF play - by - play role , but settled for Jackson after they proved unable to break their respective existing contracts with NBC Sports and the Los Angeles Dodgers . Jack Buck was also considered , but when Arledge assistant Chuck Howard telephoned Buck with the job offer , Buck refused to respond due to anger at his treatment by ABC during an earlier stint with the network . Arledge 's original choice for the third member of the trio , Frank Gifford , was unavailable since he was still under contract to CBS Sports . However , Gifford suggested former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Don Meredith , setting the stage for years of fireworks between the often - pompous Cosell and the laid - back Meredith . </P>
<P> Looking for a lightning rod to garner attention , Arledge hired controversial New York City sportscaster Howard Cosell as a commentator , along with veteran football play - by - play announcer Keith Jackson . Arledge had tried to lure Curt Gowdy and then Vin Scully to ABC for the MNF play - by - play role , but settled for Jackson after they proved unable to break their respective existing contracts with NBC Sports and the Los Angeles Dodgers . Jack Buck was also considered , but when Arledge assistant Chuck Howard telephoned Buck with the job offer , Buck refused to respond due to anger at his treatment by ABC during an earlier stint with the network . Arledge 's original choice for the third member of the trio , Frank Gifford , was unavailable since he was still under contract to CBS Sports . However , Gifford suggested former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Don Meredith , setting the stage for years of fireworks between the often - pompous Cosell and the laid - back Meredith . </P>
who announced the first monday night football game
who announced the first monday night football game
Howard Cosell Keith Jackson Don Meredith
Howard Cosell Keith Jackson Don Meredith