Legendary sportscaster Greg Gumbel has died at age 78. Gumbel’s family announced the news on Friday, saying 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,” Gumbel’s wife Marcy and daughter Michelle wrote in a statement, per CBS News. “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.
Gumbel’s illustrious career included his stint with CBS Sports, where he worked as a play-by-play announcer and studio host. The iconic sportscaster also worked for NBC Sports and hosted the popular program, The NFL Today. Gumbel, who celebrated his 50th year in sports media in 2022, covered multiple Super Bowls and Olympic Games as well.
“The CBS Sports family is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel. There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television. He was beloved and respected by those of us who had the honor to call him a friend and colleague,” David Berson, the president & CEO of CBS Sports, said in a statement.
Berson described Gumbel as “a tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller.”
“Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time. He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four,” Berson said.
Gumbel, who was born New Orleans, grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967. Gumbel shared a similar path as his younger brother Bryant Gumbel, who is best known as host of the Today show on NBC and Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel on HBO.
Gumbel won two local Emmys when he worked for WMAQ-TV Chicago. He also showed off his talent while working for ESPN. Gumbel earned the Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting in 2007.
