The assassination of John Lennon, on Monday, December 8th, 1980, was first announced to the world by Howard Cosell while broadcasting New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins (1980). According to Frank Gifford, Lennon met Ronald Reagan when both were guests on a Monday Night Football game on Monday, December 8th, 1975. This game link is Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders (1975). Coincidentally, exactly 5 years, (& two February 29ths, = 261 weeks) differ among John Lennon’s visit and death, Monday, December 8th, 1975 & Monday, December 8th, 1980. After appearing on the show, John Lennon gave Gifford and Howard Cosell each a complete collection of Beatles’ albums, that he autographed, personally.
