Sports World Mourns Passing Of Greg Gumbel, Dead At 78

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The sports world is mourning the loss sports broadcasting legend Greg Gumbel, who has passed away at the age of 78 years old after a battle with cancer, according to his family. Gumbel was best known for his work with CBS Sports.

Greg Gumbel called a bevy of sports for CBS over the years, most notably the NFL and the NCAAA men’s college basketball. In 2001, Gumbel became the first African-American play-by-play announcer to call a major American sports championship when he called Super Bowl XXXV on CBS.

Gumbel’s career with CBS began in 1988 working as a part-time NFL and college basketball announcer. In 1990, he became the host of The NFL Today and began anchoring CBS’ coverage of college football, MLB, and NASCAR. Following CBS’ loss of NFL and MLB broadcasting rights in 1994, Gumbel moved to NBC, where he hosted coverage of MLB, the NBA, and the NFL.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” his family said in a statemet. “He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer.”

“Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, 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; and 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.”

A statement from the family of Greg Gumbel pic.twitter.com/oAkSrW8EtJ

— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) December 27, 2024

After news of his passing broke, the sports world took to social media to share their tributes to the sports broadcasting legend, who was synonymous with March Madness.

“Greg Gumbel was a giant in the business. Unflappable. I wrote for him at two Olympics, in Lillehammer and Atlanta. In Lillehammer, he was hosting the highest-rated unscripted show in tv history–second highest-rated, period, surpassed only by the last episode of MASH–and he was never anything but calm, self-assured and professional. A gifted and lovely fella,” eulogized ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap.

“Last March when we were told Greg Gumbel was taking off from ⁦ March Madness⁩ on ⁦ CBS Sports ⁩ I feared it was something serious. According to published reports my worst fears were true. Apparently he’s died at age 78. A sportscasting GIANT. Greg could do it all,” said Fox Sports’ Tim Brando.

“So very sad to hear of the passing of my friend and one time colleague Greg Gumbel. He was the ultimate pro. I auditioned for the NBC Olympic job back in the early 90s with Greg as my play-by-play guy…he was so kind and patient and was one of the big reasons why I got the job. RIP to a legend,” wrote NBCS Sports’ Rowdy Gaines.