Greg Gumbel, the legendary sports broadcaster who dedicated more than five decades to the industry, has passed away at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer, his family confirmed on Friday.
A Peaceful Passing
In a joint statement released by CBS Sports, his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel shared that he “passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer.” They added, “Greg faced his illness with the same stoicism, grace, and positivity that defined his life.” His family also emphasized his lasting legacy: “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in sports broadcasting. His iconic voice will never be forgotten.”
A Storied Career
Greg Gumbel’s career in sports broadcasting spanned over 50 years, with remarkable milestones along the way. In March, he missed his first NCAA tournament since 1997 due to family health issues. He had been with CBS Sports since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Just last year, Gumbel signed an extension with CBS, allowing him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from his NFL announcing duties.
In 2001, Gumbel made history as the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship, when he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS.
Breaking Barriers and Setting Standards
David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, praised Gumbel for his pioneering contributions to sports broadcasting. “Greg Gumbel broke barriers and set standards for others in the industry. A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, he led one of the most remarkable careers in sports broadcasting history,” Berson said.
Early Years at ESPN
Gumbel’s broadcasting journey began in 1981 when he joined ESPN as an anchor for SportsCenter. He also played a key role in ESPN’s early NBA coverage. Gumbel stayed with ESPN until 1986 before moving to CBS, later returning when CBS regained its football contract in 1998.
Olympics, MLB, and NFL
Gumbel’s career spanned several prestigious events. He hosted CBS’ coverage of the Winter Olympics in 1992 and 1994, and called Major League Baseball games during CBS’s four-year stint with the sport. He also hosted NBC’s coverage of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta and the 1995 World Figure Skating Championships.
However, Gumbel was best known for his work in football and basketball. From 1990 to 1993, he hosted CBS’s NFL Today studio show, and then again in 2004. He also served as the lead play-by-play announcer for NFL games from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowls XXXV and XXXVIII. Gumbel returned to the NFL booth in 2005, continuing until the 2022 season.
Tributes and Memories
Many of Gumbel’s colleagues and friends paid tribute to his legacy. CBS Sports college basketball analyst Clark Kellogg shared, “Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet so very grateful to have known him. What a gift to be touched by such a good man and partner.”
Early Life and Philanthropy
Born in Chicago, Greg Gumbel was the older brother of sportscaster Bryant Gumbel. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967 with a degree in English. Throughout his career, he won several local Emmy Awards and was honored with the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.
Beyond his work in broadcasting, Gumbel was deeply involved in charitable organizations. He was affiliated with the March of Dimes for over 30 years and served on its board of trustees. He also spent 16 years on the Sports Council for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Greg Gumbel’s death marks the end of an era in sports broadcasting, but his influence and legacy will continue to inspire future generations of broadcasters.
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