Greg Gumbel, CBS Sports Broadcasting Legend, Passes Away at 78
Greg Gumbel, a pioneering voice in sports broadcasting and a cherished figure in the television industry, has passed away at the age of 78. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement on Friday.
“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, just as one would expect. 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.” — Marcy & Michelle Gumbel
A Trailblazing Career in Broadcasting
Gumbel’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, cementing his place as one of the most respected figures in sports media. He began at CBS Sports in 1989, rising to prominence as a studio host and play-by-play announcer. His work ranged from hosting The NFL Today to anchoring multiple Super Bowls and Olympic Games, earning him the admiration of fans and colleagues alike.
In 2022, Gumbel celebrated his 50th year in broadcasting—a milestone few achieve.
David Berson, President and CEO of CBS Sports, paid tribute:
“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. We will miss him dearly and send our deepest condolences to his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle, and his entire family.”
An Unforgettable Legacy
Born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans and raised in Chicago, Gumbel graduated from Loras College in 1967. He began his broadcasting career with local sports coverage, earning three Emmy Awards for his work with the Madison Square Garden Network and WMAQ-TV in Chicago.
Greg Gumbel’s career highlights include:
- Hosting CBS’s The NFL Today from 1990–1993 and again from 2004–2005.
- Serving as the primetime anchor for CBS’s coverage of the 1994 Winter Olympics.
- Hosting and providing play-by-play coverage for events like the Super Bowl, Major League Baseball, NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship, and the College World Series.
- Becoming the first broadcaster to both host and call play-by-play for a Super Bowl.
Gumbel’s versatility was unmatched. He moved seamlessly between roles, whether covering the NFL, NBA, college basketball, or the Olympics. He joined NBC Sports in 1994, hosting The NFL on NBC, NBA coverage, and Olympic broadcasts before returning to CBS Sports in 1998.
Tributes from Colleagues and Friends
Lesley Visser, a longtime colleague, reflected on his impact:
“Greg had an innate dignity and wit. Everyone loved working with him. He cared deeply about the people he worked with and the work he did.”
Basketball icon Earvin “Magic” Johnson praised Gumbel as an African-American pioneer in sports broadcasting, writing:
“I’m saddened to hear about the passing of longtime and legendary broadcaster and friend Greg Gumbel.”
A Life Beyond Broadcasting
Outside the studio, Gumbel was deeply committed to charitable work. He served two six-year terms on the March of Dimes Board of Trustees and spent 18 years as a member of the organization’s National Board of Advisors. He was also active on the Sports Council for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Board of Regents at Loras College.
A Lasting Impact
Greg Gumbel will be remembered as a trailblazer, a storyteller, and a man of immense integrity. His contributions to sports broadcasting and his dedication to philanthropy have left an indelible mark.
He is survived by his wife, Marcy, his daughter, Michelle, and countless fans who cherished his voice and presence.
Rest in peace, Greg Gumbel—a true legend in every sense.
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