The sports world is mourning the loss of legendary announcer Greg Gumbel, who passed away Saturday at the age of 78 after battling cancer. The news has sent waves of sadness through the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament and the broader sports community.
Greg Gumbel, known for his iconic sports announcing, had a storied career spanning over 50 years, making indelible marks across various sports broadcasts. The network he dedicated much of his career to, CBS, shared its grief through its CEO and president, David Berson, stating, "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 friend and colleague."
Berson remembered Gumbel not just for his broadcasting skills, but also for his character, calling him "a tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller" who inspired others and broke barriers throughout his remarkable career.
The NCAA's senior vice president of basketball, Dan Gavitt, also expressed his sorrow, noting, “Greg was warm, engaging, funny and always performed with class and dignity. He was supremely talented, as evidenced by his work not only with college basketball but with the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball, the Olympics, and the Men’s College World Series.”
Gumbel's family, including his wife Marcy and daughter Michelle, released their own heartfelt tribute: “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.”
Reflecting on his last year, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 this past March due to health issues. His absence felt deeply by fans and colleagues alike, highlighting just how much he meant to the sporting world.
Notable milestones marked Gumbel’s illustrious career. He made history as the first Black announcer to call play-by-play for Super Bowl XXXV, paving the way for future generations. His affiliation with CBS began initially before his stint with NBC, returning after CBS regained the NFL contract, becoming the voice behind both college basketball and NFL games.
Former CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus, who brought Gumbel back to CBS, celebrated not just his broadcasting acumen but also his warm spirit, declaring, “Not only did he elevation our NFL and NCAA coverage to new levels, but his kindness, generosity, sense of humor and unselfishness were second to none.” McManus’s accolades encapsulated the heart of Gumbel's presence and personality.
The impact Gumbel had was felt beyond CBS; many colleagues and competitors recognized the uniqueness he brought to the industry. Clark Kellogg, CBS Sports college basketball analyst, shared his feelings: “Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him.”
Gumbel's rich career traces back to Chicago, where he graduated from Loras College. Originally aspiring to be an English teacher, he shifted gears to sportscasting after his brother, Bryant Gumbel, entered the field. After auditioning at WMAQ-TV, Gumbel began making headlines with growing transitions to larger networks including ESPN.
Throughout his career, Gumbel won local Emmy Awards and was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence, illustrating his commitment to sports journalism. Alongside his broadcasting career, he contributed his time to charitable organizations, including the March of Dimes and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
His friend James Brown contributed his thoughts, describing Gumbel as “Mr. Versatility” and noting his ability to excel across various assignments, marking him out as one of the most adaptive anchors of his time.
Across every medium, his smooth voice and reassuring presence made him a familiar figure during significant sports events like the Olympics and NCAA tournaments, confirming his status as both audience favorite and industry pioneer.
Now, as the sports world navigates this loss, Gumbel’s legacy will remain strong, remembered not only for his achievements but for the warmth and humanity he brought to the profession. His family, friends, and colleagues have expressed their sympathies during this difficult time, taking comfort, knowing his remarkable contributions to sports broadcasting will always be honored.
There will never be another Greg Gumbel, and the impact of his kindness and talent will resonate long after this chapter closes.