(Rightallegiance.com) – Greg Gumbel, a legendary figure in sports broadcasting and a beloved anchor at CBS Sports, has passed away at the age of 78. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement released on Friday, expressing their profound grief.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness with stoicism, grace, and positivity,” the family wrote. The statement further highlighted Gumbel’s exceptional career and enduring impact, stating, “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. Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues, and all who loved him.” The statement was signed by his wife, Marcy, and daughter, Michelle Gumbel.
Born in New Orleans on May 3, 1946, and raised in Chicago, Greg Gumbel’s journey into broadcasting began after he graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967. His younger brother, Bryant Gumbel, also achieved prominence as a host of NBC’s “Today” show and HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.”
Greg Gumbel’s illustrious career began with local sports coverage and play-by-play duties for the Madison Square Garden Network, where he covered New York Knicks basketball and New York Yankees baseball. His exceptional work earned him a local Emmy Award. Gumbel’s talent soon drew national attention, leading to roles at ESPN and WMAQ-TV in Chicago, where he won two additional local Emmy Awards.
In 1989, Gumbel joined CBS Sports, marking the start of a remarkable tenure. Over the years, he became a household name, hosting iconic programs such as “The NFL Today” and serving as a play-by-play announcer for numerous Super Bowls, college basketball championships, and Major League Baseball games. He also hosted CBS’s coverage of the Winter Olympics in 1992 and 1994.
Gumbel’s career included a notable period at NBC Sports in the mid-1990s, where he hosted “The NFL on NBC” and the network’s pre-game shows for Super Bowls in 1996 and 1998. He also provided play-by-play commentary for NBA games and served as the host of NBC’s daytime coverage of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Returning to CBS in 1998, Gumbel continued to break new ground, teaming with Phil Simms for six seasons as the lead NFL broadcast team. He made history as the first broadcaster to both host and provide play-by-play commentary for a Super Bowl, calling Super Bowls XXXV and XXXVIII. Additionally, he hosted “Inside the NFL” on SHOWTIME and continued to play an integral role in CBS’s NCAA basketball coverage, including the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship.
Throughout his career, Gumbel’s work was widely recognized. In 2007, he received the prestigious Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting. Beyond his professional achievements, Gumbel dedicated much of his time to charitable causes. He served two six-year terms on the Board of Trustees for the March of Dimes and spent 16 years on the Sports Council for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He also contributed to his alma mater, Loras College, as a member of the Board of Regents starting in 2009.
David Berson, President and CEO of CBS Sports, paid tribute to Gumbel, stating, “The CBS Sports family is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel. There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television. He was beloved and respected by those of us who had the honor to call him a friend and colleague. Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow.”
Berson’s statement underscored Gumbel’s groundbreaking contributions to sports broadcasting, describing him as “a tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller” whose work resonated with fans across generations. “Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time. He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four. We will miss Greg dearly, and send our deepest condolences to his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle, and his entire family.”
Greg Gumbel’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary era in sports broadcasting. His iconic voice, profound professionalism, and unwavering dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the industry. His legacy will continue to inspire broadcasters and fans alike for years to come.