Legendary CBS Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Passes Away At 78

Trailblazing longtime CBS sportscaster Greg Gumbel unfortunately passed away from cancer last week at the age of 78, his family posted in a statement released by CBS. 

“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,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said.

Back in March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to “health issues” according to his family at the time. 

Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year which allowed him to continue to host college basketball while taking a break from NFL announcing duties. 

Gumbel left an incredible legacy throughout the past few decades. In 2001, he became the first Black announcer in the US to call play-by-play for a major sports championship when he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS. 

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David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Gumbel as “breaking barriers and setting standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness,” according to the Guardian. 

“A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time,” said Berson.

Gumbel was mainly known for his announcing in football and basketball. He hosted the CBS NFL studio show “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and in 2004. 

He called NFL games as CBS’ lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003. During that time he announced for Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII. He came back to the NFL booth in 2005 where he worked until the 2022 season. 

“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,” Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports college basketball game and studio analyst, said in a statement. 

“What a gift to be touched by such a good man and partner.”