Beloved CBS Broadcaster Passed Away At 78

Greg Gumbel, the beloved CBS broadcaster who spent decades captivating audiences with his coverage of various sports, passed away on Friday at the age of 78. In a statement to CBS News, his family announced that he passed away following a courageous battle with cancer.

“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 like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.” “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.” — Marcy & Michelle Gumbel

Greg Gumbel was a highly respected broadcaster and sportscaster, celebrated for his decades-long career covering some of the most iconic moments in sports history. Born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he grew up in Chicago, Illinois, alongside his younger brother, Bryant Gumbel. Greg attended Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he played baseball and earned a degree in English.

Gumbel’s broadcasting career began serendipitously when his brother Bryant informed him of a job opening at a Chicago television station. His younger brother, Bryant Gumbel, also achieved fame in broadcasting as the host of NBC’s Today show and HBO’s acclaimed series Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Greg landed the position and quickly proved his talent in sports reporting. In the late 1970s, he transitioned to network television, joining NBC Sports, where he covered NFL games, Major League Baseball, and the NCAA. In the early 1990s, Gumbel moved to CBS, where he became the face of the network’s sports programming. His versatility and affable demeanor made him a trusted voice for marquee events, including the Super Bowl, NCAA basketball tournaments, and the MLB postseason. He also served as the studio host for The NFL Today and anchored coverage of the Olympics, earning widespread acclaim for his professionalism and poise.

Gumbel’s historic accomplishments include being the first African American broadcaster to call play-by-play for a Super Bowl, which he achieved during Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. Known for his understated style, he brought clarity and insight to every broadcast, earning the admiration of colleagues and fans alike. More recently, Gumbel opted out of covering the 2024 NCAA Tournament, citing “family health issues” as the reason for his decision.

Rest In Peace.