. >>> he was known as dandy don, howardco sell called him don deru on occasion. and for millions of americans he made football on tv so much fun because they seemed to be having so much fun. he was the first of a new breed of colorful color commentators in the booth. after a career spent on the field. we learned today don meredith has died and tonight our own mike taibbi has a look back. >> reporter: a college star at southern methodist university, he was the first big name signed by what came to be known as america's team, the dallas cowboys. but if dandy don meredith never won a super bowl, his outside personality got him to a lofty perch in the history of the game. current cowboys owner jerry jones. >> that personality really is a part of what makes the nfl, not just the dallas cowboys. >> reporter: and then for 12 years after his playing days were done, meredith was part of a broadcast team for abc's "monday night football." for much of that broadcast's heyday, meredith was the knowledgeable court jester. the folksy counterpoint to frank gifford and howard co