Greg Gumbel, the beloved CBS Sports broadcaster, passed away at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with cancer. His family confirmed his death with a statement expressing their profound sadness and sharing memories of his legacy. Gumbel’s iconic voice and dedication to the sports broadcast industry for over 50 years will never be forgotten by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans. He celebrated his 50th year of broadcasting in 2022, having worked for both CBS Sports and NBC Sports throughout his career.
David Berson, the president & CEO of CBS Sports, expressed his devastation over the loss of Greg Gumbel, calling him a gentleman and gifted storyteller. Gumbel’s groundbreaking career in sports broadcasting included hosting coverage of major events such as the NFL, Super Bowls, and March Madness. Known for breaking barriers and setting standards, Gumbel was a familiar and welcoming voice for sports fans across various platforms. His contributions to the sports community will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Born in New Orleans and raised in Chicago, Greg Gumbel joined CBS Sports in 1989 after establishing himself as a prominent figure in sports broadcasting. He hosted “The NFL Today” and covered numerous Super Bowls, Olympic Games, and other major events. Gumbel’s versatility as a play-by-play announcer and studio host earned him accolades throughout his career, including local Emmy Awards for his work with New York Knicks basketball and New York Yankees baseball. He also worked for ESPN, WMAQ-TV Chicago, and WFAN Radio in New York City.
Throughout his tenure at CBS Sports, Greg Gumbel continued to excel in various roles, from hosting NFL pre-game shows to play-by-play announcing for Major League Baseball and college basketball. He returned to CBS after a stint with NBC Sports, where he also made significant contributions to sports broadcasting. Gumbel’s achievements were recognized with the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting. Off-camera, he was involved with charitable organizations such as the March of Dimes and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Gumbel’s impact extended beyond the broadcast studio, as he was also involved in various philanthropic endeavors and served on the Board of Regents for his alma mater, Loras College. His commitment to giving back to the community and supporting charitable causes mirrored his dedication to his work in sports broadcasting. Greg Gumbel’s legacy will be remembered not only for his contributions to the world of sports media but also for his kindness, generosity, and professionalism both on and off the air.
The passing of Greg Gumbel has left a void in the sports broadcasting world, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a trailblazing figure in the industry. His family, friends, and the entire CBS Sports community remember him with fondness and gratitude for his lasting impact and remarkable career. Greg Gumbel’s legacy as a pioneering broadcaster and dedicated philanthropist will continue to inspire future generations in the field of sports media and beyond.
