Greg Gumbel, the legendary sports broadcaster for CBS, has passed away at the age of 78 after battling cancer. His family confirmed the news on December 27, 2024, with his wife, Marcy, and daughter, Michelle, sharing their heartfelt statement: "It is with immense sadness 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 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; 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."
Born and raised in New Orleans before growing up in Chicago, Gumbel redefined sports broadcasting through his extensive career, starting as early as 1979 with ESPN, where he anchored "SportsCenter" and called NBA games. He later joined CBS Sports in 1989 and became synonymous with major sporting events, including Super Bowls and the NCAA March Madness tournament.
David Berson, the president of CBS Sports, expressed the deep sense of loss felt by the entire CBS community. "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 our friend and colleague. 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."
Gumbel's illustrious career included being the first African-American to call play-by-play for a major U.S. sports championship at Super Bowl XXXV. He celebrated 50 years of broadcasting last year, marking his significant contributions to sports media.
His colleagues also shared their sorrow following the news. Clark Kellogg, another veteran CBS Sports analyst, stated, "Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him in my life. What a gift to be touched by such a good man and partner."
Gumbel was also celebrated for his work on CBS’s NCAA Tournament coverage, particularly his role as the voice of Selection Sunday. Fans of college basketball saw Gumbel not just as a broadcaster, but as the essence of the March Madness experience. He hosted the coverage of the NCAA's most thrilling moments until 2023.
Through his career, Gumbel was honored with numerous accolades, including local Emmy Awards, and he played a pivotal role as both the host of various Olympic broadcasts and caller of Major League Baseball games during CBS's four-year run. After returning to CBS from NBC in 1998, he took the lead role on "The NFL Today" and became known as the voice behind some of the biggest moments on sports television.
The announcement of Gumbel's death drew immediate responses from the sports community, with many expressing their condolences on social media. "Greg Gumbel has passed away at the age of 78... Selection Sunday will never be the same," tweeted NCAA March Madness. Other notable sports personalities reminisced about Gumbel's contributions and his passion for sports broadcasting.
His legacy is not only rooted in his professional achievements but also reflected the kindness and generosity he showed to those around him. Former CBS producer Dan Forer expressed his grief, noting, "Greg was the best announcer a young producer/director could have… He was not only a true professional but also kind and magnificent. May his memory be treasured by his family and friends."
Gumbel's work extended beyond the sports box. He was also actively involved with charitable organizations like the March of Dimes, where he served on the board for three decades, and was part of the Sports Council for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital for 16 years. His commitment to using his platform for good left an indelible mark on his community.
While the news of his passing leaves the sports world mourning, Gumbel's enduring influence on sports journalism and commentary will not be forgotten. He defined what it means to connect with audiences through storytelling, making them feel seen and heard every time they turned on their television screens for big games.
Greg Gumbel's life and career were celebrated and honored by many, showcasing the impact he had on the sports industry and the lives he touched over five decades. Although he is no longer with us, his voice and legacy will echo through the ages, reminding everyone of the power and importance of sports journalism.
