Legendary Sports Broadcaster Greg Gumbel Dies at 78
The sports community mourns the legendary broadcaster Greg Gumbel. He was 78 years old.
“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” his family said in a statement via CBS Sports on Friday, December 27. “He passed peacefully surrounded by great love after a courageous battle. and cancer.”
According to the wife, Marcyand his daughter, MichelleGreg “approached his illness as one would expect, with confidence, grace and conviction.”
Greg has spent more than fifty years compiling games. He joined CBS Sports in 1989 after years of hosting and play-by-play for New York Knicks basketball and New York Yankees baseball for the Madison Square Garden Network.
During his career, he had the opportunity to host NFL Today and managed to cover three Super Bowls. He was also an integral part of the March Madness network.
“I wanted to do what I wanted [fellow CBS play-by-play man] Pat Summerall,” Greg once told Sports Illustrated in 2022. “He didn’t talk too much. He was treated badly. He was very forthright about what he said. And he was scary. But how can you not be nervous when you do Giants-Cowboys, Bears-Packers, Rams-49ers, Eagles-Giants?”
Another major accomplishment came when Greg was asked to be the first anchor for CBS Sports’ coverage of the 1994 Olympic Winter Games.
“There has never been a better gentleman on television,” CBS Sports said in a statement Dec. 27. “He was loved and respected by those of us who were privileged to call him a friend and colleague. … It is a very sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and the entire sports community.”
CBS Sports praised Greg as having “the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting career of all time.” They also called him “an excellent broadcaster and gifted storyteller.”
“He was a familiar and welcoming voice to fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four,” the statement continued. “Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow.”
As sports fans continue to mourn Greg’s loss, his closest family members will remember his “iconic voice” on game day and the love he showed his life away from any field.
“He leaves behind a legacy of passion, inspiration and dedication for more than 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcasting industry; and his signature voice will never be forgotten,” reads a statement from his family. “Greg’s memory will always be treasured by his family, dear friends, colleagues and all who loved him.”
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