Greg Gumbel, the celebrated sports broadcaster who spent over five decades shaping the landscape of sports journalism, has died at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer, his family announced on Friday.
In a statement shared by CBS Sports, his wife, Marcy Gumbel, and daughter, Michelle Gumbel, expressed their grief and admiration for Greg’s courage and grace during his illness.
“He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” they said. “Greg approached his illness with stoicism, grace, and positivity.”
Gumbel’s career was a testament to dedication, breaking barriers, and creating a legacy that continues to inspire. He became the first Black announcer to call play-by-play for a major U.S. sports championship during Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.
Known for his steady voice and insightful commentary, Gumbel was a mainstay in broadcasting college basketball, the NFL, and March Madness.
David Berson, CBS Sports president and CEO, paid tribute to Gumbel, stating, “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.”
Starting his national career at ESPN in 1981, Gumbel was a trailblazer, anchoring “SportsCenter” and contributing to early NBA coverage.
He left ESPN for CBS in 1988, later moving to NBC and returning to CBS in 1998, where he continued to host and call high-profile events, including the NCAA Tournament and Super Bowl broadcasts.
Beyond the booth, Gumbel was deeply committed to philanthropy, serving on the boards of the March of Dimes and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
He also earned local Emmy Awards and received the prestigious Pat Summerall Award in 2007 for excellence in sports broadcasting.
Gumbel is survived by his wife and daughter, as well as his younger brother, Bryant Gumbel, a distinguished sportscaster in his own right. His loss leaves a profound void in the sports world, yet his contributions will be remembered as milestones in broadcasting history.
