December 27th 2024.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Greg Gumbel, a beloved CBS sportscaster who has been a pioneer in the industry and has touched the lives of many with his iconic voice. According to a statement released by the network on Friday, Gumbel passed away at the age of 78 after battling cancer.
In a statement from his family, including his wife Marcy and daughter Michelle, they shared that Gumbel's legacy will live on through his love, inspiration, and dedication to the sports broadcast industry for over 50 years. They also expressed that his iconic voice will never be forgotten.
Gumbel's absence from the NCAA Tournament in March was the first time he had missed the event since 1997, citing family health issues at the time. He had been the studio host for CBS since 1998, after returning from NBC. Last year, Gumbel signed an extension with CBS, allowing him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties.
One of Gumbel's most notable achievements was in 2001 when he became the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship, announcing Super Bowl 35 for CBS. David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, praised Gumbel for breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his time as a voice for fans in the NFL and March Madness. Berson also described Gumbel as a tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, leading one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.
Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving for NBC in 1994 when the network lost football, and returning in 1998 when it regained the contract. He also hosted CBS' coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during the network's four-year run broadcasting the sport. In 1995, he hosted the World Figure Skating Championships, and the following year, he hosted NBC's daytime coverage of the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta. However, it was in football and basketball where he made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS' NFL studio show, "The NFL Today," from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004-2005.
Earlier this year, Gumbel reflected on replacing Brent Musburger as the host of "The NFL Today" in 1990, describing it as intimidating and daunting. He expressed his honor to have been able to sit in the same chair and try to do the same thing Musburger did. Gumbel also served as the network's lead play-by-play announcer for NFL games from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowls 35 and 38. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005 and left after the 2022 season.
Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports college basketball game and studio analyst, shared a heartfelt statement, expressing his sadness at Gumbel's passing and gratitude for having known him. He described Gumbel as a good man and partner and a gift to all who knew and loved him.
Gumbel may have been best known for his career as a sportscaster, but he was also a loving husband and father and dedicated his time to charitable causes. He was the older brother of Bryant Gumbel, the host of NBC's "Today" show and "Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel" on HBO. Bryant received a lifetime achievement award at the Sports Emmys in 2003.
Born and raised in Chicago, Gumbel graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, with a degree in English in 1967. He initially had plans to become an English teacher but was drawn to sportscasting after his brother's success in the field. Gumbel auditioned at WMAQ-TV, an NBC affiliate in Chicago, in 1973, and soon after, he was offered a position as a weekend sports anchor. While he admitted to not being very polished at first, he eventually became comfortable in front of the camera and went on to work for ESPN and the Madison Square Garden network.
James Brown, who currently hosts "The NFL Today," described Gumbel as "Mr. Versatility" and "very telegenic." He shared that it was his pleasure to call Gumbel a friend and that he was capable of anything that was given to him in the wake of an assignment.
Throughout his long career, Gumbel received numerous local Emmy Awards and was recognized for his excellence in sports broadcasting with the 2007 Pat Summerall Award. He was also heavily involved in charitable work, serving on the board of trustees for the March of Dimes for 30 years and as a member of the Sports Council for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital for 16 years.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gumbel's family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Greg Gumbel. Your legacy will live on forever.
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