Renowned sports commentator and longtime CBS anchor Greg Gumbel has died at 78 after a battle with cancer. His passing marks the end of a pioneering career that spanned over five decades.
Greg Gumbel, a trailblazer in sports broadcasting, was celebrated for his professionalism, warmth, and dedication to his craft, CBS News reported.
Greg Gumbel’s family confirmed his passing in a statement on Friday. According to the announcement, he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, following a courageous fight against cancer. The family described him as facing his illness with grace and resilience, true to his character.
Gumbel began his career in broadcasting more than 50 years ago, celebrating his 50th anniversary in 2022. He joined CBS Sports in 1989, where he became a familiar face to millions of viewers, hosting and providing play-by-play commentary for marquee events such as the NFL, MLB, NCAA basketball tournaments, and the Olympics.
One of Gumbel’s historic achievements was becoming the first network broadcaster to both host and call play-by-play for the Super Bowl. Over the years, he covered multiple Super Bowls, including Super Bowls XXVI, XXXV, XXXVIII, XLVII, and the landmark Super Bowl 50. His work also extended to NBC Sports from 1994 to 1998, where he hosted the NFL pre-game shows, Super Bowls, and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Throughout his illustrious career, Gumbel was recognized with numerous awards for his outstanding contributions to sports media. He won multiple local Emmy Awards, including accolades for his work at the Madison Square Garden Network and WMAQ-TV in Chicago. In 2007, he received the prestigious Pat Summerall Award, cementing his legacy as one of the most respected voices in the field.
David Berson, President and CEO of CBS Sports, called Gumbel "a tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller." He noted that Gumbel’s career was both groundbreaking and inspiring. "Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow," Berson said.
In addition to his work in media, Gumbel was a committed philanthropist. He served on the boards of organizations such as the March of Dimes, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, and his alma mater, Loras College. His dedication to charitable work spanned over two decades, reflecting his generosity and commitment to making a positive impact beyond his professional accomplishments.
Magic Johnson, a basketball legend and friend, praised Gumbel for being a pioneer among African Americans in the broadcasting industry. "Greg was an African-American pioneer," Johnson said, emphasizing the lasting impact of his legacy.
Gumbel’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and admirers. Lesley Visser, a longtime sports journalist, said Gumbel had an innate dignity and was beloved by all who worked with him. "He cared about the people he worked with and the work that he did," she said.
Fellow broadcaster Ernie Johnson also expressed his sorrow, calling Gumbel "a pro's pro and a gentleman of the highest order." Johnson reflected on their time working together during March Madness, describing it as an honor to share the desk with such a respected figure.
Greg Gumbel's contributions to CBS Sports were unparalleled. He hosted "The NFL Today," delivered play-by-play commentary for NCAA Men’s Basketball tournaments, and was a familiar face on Showtime’s "Inside the NFL." His career reflected not only a deep passion for sports but also a dedication to providing thoughtful and engaging coverage that resonated with fans across generations.
The CBS Sports family is deeply mourning his loss. "There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television," Berson remarked. "We will miss Greg dearly and send our deepest condolences to his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle, and his entire family."
As tributes continue to pour in, Greg Gumbel’s legacy as a trailblazer, gentleman, and beloved broadcaster remains firmly etched in the history of sports media. His work and influence will continue to inspire future generations in the world of sports broadcasting and beyond.
