Beano Cook, whose real name was Carroll Hoff Cook, passed away in his sleep, the University of Pittsburgh announced today, as reported by ESPN. He was 81.
After moving to Pittsburgh at age 7, a neighbor gave Cook the nickname "Beano" for his Boston origins, and it stuck.
A 1954 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Cook began his career as a sports publicist there, where he remained from 1956 to 1966. He then became media director at ABC from 1966 to 1974, and was a sports commentator there from 1982 to 1985, before joining ESPN.
His career also included jobs with the St. Petersburg Times and Miami Dolphins.
Cook was known for his deep love and knowledge of college football, which earned him the title, "Cardinal of College Football."
He was one of a kind," George Bodenheimer, ESPN executive chairman, said in a statement, as reported by ESPN. "There never was and never will be another Beano. His combination of humor, passion, love of college football and his engaging personality left an indelible mark on the sport and touched anyone who knew him.
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