Greg Gumbel, a pioneering figure in sports broadcasting and a longtime CBS sportscaster, has passed away at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer, as confirmed by his family in a statement released on Friday. Gumbel’s career spanned over five decades, during which he became a prominent voice in sports, known for his impactful commentary on major events.
His wife and daughter expressed, “He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.”
This past March marked the first NCAA Tournament since 1997 that Gumbel missed, attributing his absence to family health concerns. After returning to CBS from NBC in 1998, Gumbel continued to be the studio host, signing an extension last year which permitted him to focus on college basketball while reducing his NFL commitments.
In a historic moment, Gumbel made headlines in 2001 when he became the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play for a major sports championship during Super Bowl 35. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, praised Gumbel’s ability to break barriers and set standards in the industry, calling him “a tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller.”
Gumbel’s broadcasting journey included two terms at CBS, a hiatus at NBC, and a return when CBS regained its football contracts. He hosted coverage for the Winter Olympics in 1992 and 1994 and contributed to Major League Baseball broadcasts. Gumbel was especially noted for his work in football and basketball, hosting “The NFL Today” and serving as CBS’s lead play-by-play announcer during various NFL seasons, including Super Bowl 35 and 38.
Reflecting on his career earlier this year, Gumbel shared the challenges of stepping into the hosting role previously held by Brent Musburger in 1990, expressing both intimidation and honor by the opportunity. He continued to influence sports broadcasting until his departure from the NFL booth after the 2022 season.
Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports analyst, expressed his sorrow over Gumbel’s passing while highlighting the profound impact Gumbel had on those who knew him. Greg Gumbel was also the older brother of Bryant Gumbel, a prominent host in his own right.
Born in Chicago, Gumbel graduated from Loras College in Iowa in 1967, initially aiming to become an English teacher. However, inspired by his brother’s success in sportscasting, he auditioned for a position at WMAQ-TV in 1973 and soon began his career in sports journalism.
Throughout his illustrious career, Gumbel received recognition, including local Emmy Awards and the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting. Outside of his broadcasting achievements, he was actively involved in charitable work, including a long-standing affiliation with the March of Dimes and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
