Renowned American sports commentator Greg Gumbel has passed away at the age of 78 following a courageous battle with cancer, his family announced on Friday. Gumbel, a trailblazer in sports broadcasting, is remembered for his decades-long career with CBS Sports, where he became an iconic voice for American football and basketball.
A Trailblazer in Sports Broadcasting
In 2001, Greg Gumbel broke barriers by becoming the first Black sports commentator to provide play-by-play announcements for the Super Bowl, a groundbreaking achievement that cemented his legacy in the sports world. His family described him as someone who “leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and dedication to 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcasting industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.”
The statement added that Gumbel faced his illness with “stoicism, grace, and positivity,” passing away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in New Orleans and raised in Chicago, Gumbel’s broadcasting career began unexpectedly in the early 1970s. A local NBC affiliate in Chicago offered him an opportunity to cover high school basketball games, a role that would spark his illustrious journey.
“He said, ‘I have this idea and I want you to take it and run with it,'” Gumbel recalled in a 2021 interview. “We introduced our audience to a lot of guys who went on to become famous.”
Rise to Prominence at CBS Sports
Gumbel joined CBS Sports in 1989, quickly establishing himself as a staple in American sports broadcasting. Over the years, he hosted the network’s popular “NFL Today” pre-game, halftime, and post-game shows, including coverage of three Super Bowls. His assignments also included roles as the primetime anchor for CBS during the 1994 Olympic Winter Games and co-anchor during the 1992 Winter Games.
In addition to his NFL coverage, Gumbel became a fixture in college football broadcasts and provided play-by-play commentary for Major League Baseball games. He continued to leave his mark on sports broadcasting with his work on NCAA basketball tournaments, a role he held from 1997 until his health prevented him from participating in 2023.
Tributes from the Sports World
Prominent figures in the sports broadcasting community paid heartfelt tributes to Gumbel. CBS veteran Jim Nantz called him “broadcasting royalty,” adding, “He was as selfless a broadcaster as anyone in the industry has ever known. Our careers intersected for nearly 35 years, and he was a consummate teammate and friend.”
Lesley Visser, another long-time colleague, praised Gumbel’s wit and professionalism: “He just had a light touch, he had a wit about him, and everyone loved working with him. Greg had an innate dignity that he brought to the table.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Throughout his career, Gumbel also had a notable stint with NBC Sports, hosting “NFL on NBC” and several Super Bowl pre-game shows. His contributions to sports broadcasting earned him respect across the industry, and his voice became synonymous with major sporting events in the U.S.
Gumbel’s commitment to his craft remained steadfast even as he stepped away from NFL coverage in 2022, signing an extension with CBS in 2023 to focus on college basketball.
Personal Life and Legacy
Greg Gumbel is survived by his wife, Marcy, his daughter, Michelle, and his younger brother, Bryant Gumbel, also a celebrated broadcaster and former host of the “Today” show.
Gumbel’s pioneering career, iconic voice, and unwavering dedication to sports broadcasting will be remembered as an integral part of American sports history.
