Greg Gumbel, Pioneering CBS Sportscaster, Dies at 78 After Battle with Cancer

Greg Gumbel, a trailblazing CBS sportscaster who became one of the most recognizable voices in American sports broadcasting, has passed away at the age of 78. Gumbel died from cancer, his family announced in a statement released by CBS on Friday, December 27, 2024.

“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.

A Groundbreaking Career in Sports Broadcasting

Greg Gumbel, a pioneering figure in sports media, was celebrated for breaking racial barriers in the industry. In 2001, he became the first African American announcer to call play-by-play for a major sports championship when he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS. His influence extended beyond football, as he became synonymous with the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, serving as the primary studio host for CBS’s March Madness coverage for over two decades.

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David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, honored Gumbel’s legacy, calling him “a tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller who led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.”

Gumbel’s career spanned multiple networks and decades, with roles at ESPN, NBC Sports, and CBS Sports. His smooth delivery and insightful commentary earned him respect from audiences and peers alike.

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Early Life and Entry into Broadcasting

Greg Gumbel was born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Rhea Alice LeCesne and Richard Gumbel, a judge. He grew up on the south side of Chicago and graduated from De La Salle Institute. Gumbel earned a degree in English from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he also played baseball.

Initially, Gumbel sold hospital supplies in Detroit, but his career trajectory changed when his brother, Bryant Gumbel, informed him of a sportscasting position at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. Gumbel auditioned and began his broadcasting career in 1973, eventually becoming the weekend sports anchor.

Rise to National Prominence

Gumbel joined ESPN in 1979 as one of the network’s first anchors, bringing credibility to the fledgling sports channel. By 1988, he had transitioned to CBS Sports, where he hosted NFL, MLB, and NCAA basketball coverage.

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Between 1994 and 1998, Gumbel worked at NBC Sports, covering the NFL, Major League Baseball, and the Olympics. He hosted CBS’s coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and returned to CBS in 1998, becoming the lead announcer for the network’s NFL broadcasts.

Iconic Moments and Achievements

Gumbel’s voice became synonymous with many of the most memorable moments in sports. He called Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII and served as the host of CBS’s “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004-2005. His calm demeanor and insightful analysis made him a fixture in American homes during key sporting events.

Greg Gumbel also made significant contributions to the world of figure skating, hosting the World Figure Skating Championships and covering the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta for NBC.

His numerous accolades include multiple Emmy Awards and the prestigious Pat Summerall Award, which he received in 2007 for excellence in sports broadcasting.

Personal Life and Legacy

Greg Gumbel was deeply involved in philanthropy, serving on the board of trustees for the March of Dimes for over three decades and working with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital as part of the Sports Council.

He is survived by his wife Marcy and daughter Michelle, as well as his younger brother, Bryant Gumbel, host of HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.”

Reflecting on his brother’s career, Bryant Gumbel said, “Greg was a remarkable talent who left an indelible mark on the sports broadcasting industry. He paved the way for others and always carried himself with grace and professionalism.”

Greg Gumbel’s net worth at the time of his passing was estimated at $16 million, a testament to his decades of dedication and influence in sports broadcasting.

James Brown, the current host of “The NFL Today,” paid tribute to Gumbel, describing him as “Mr. Versatility and also very telegenic… He was a true friend and professional who could handle any assignment with ease.”

Greg Gumbel’s contributions to the sports world and his pioneering role in broadcasting will be remembered for generations to come.