Greg Gumbel, the renowned CBS sportscaster whose career spanned over five decades and included hosting the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, The NFL Today, and calling play-by-play for two Super Bowls, has died at the age of 78. His family announced Friday that Gumbel passed away after a “courageous battle with cancer.”
In a heartfelt statement, his wife Marcy and daughter Michelle said, “Greg approached his illness with stoicism, grace, and positivity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration, and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in sports broadcasting. His iconic voice will never be forgotten.”
Gumbel is survived by his younger brother, Bryant Gumbel, former host of NBC’s Today show and HBO’s Real Sports.
A Career of Firsts and Excellence
Gumbel’s storied broadcasting career was marked by numerous milestones. He anchored CBS and Turner’s coverage of March Madness for 26 consecutive years, from 1998 to 2023, before stepping away due to “family health issues.” As host of The NFL Today, he replaced Brent Musburger from 1990-1993, teaming with Terry Bradshaw and Lesley Visser. He returned to the program in 2004-2005, working with Dan Marino, Boomer Esiason, and Shannon Sharpe.
In 1988, Gumbel began calling NFL games, eventually becoming CBS’s lead NFL play-by-play announcer alongside Phil Simms from 1998 to 2004. He made history as the first African American to call play-by-play for a major U.S. sports championship during the 2001 Super Bowl, a role he reprised in 2004.
Despite his remarkable achievements, Gumbel remained humble about his influence on sports broadcasting. “I’ve never felt there’s an announcer who can make someone watch a game they weren’t already going to watch,” he said in a 2022 Sports Illustrated interview. “The best you can do is not chase people away.”
Early Life and Breakthrough in Broadcasting
Born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans, Gregory Gumbel grew up in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. His father, Richard, was a probate judge and former minor-league baseball player, and his mother, Rhea, worked as a city clerk. Gumbel graduated from De La Salle Institute in 1963 and earned a degree from Loras College in Iowa, where he played baseball.
His entry into broadcasting came unexpectedly in 1973, while he was working in hospital supply sales. Encouraged by his brother Bryant, Gumbel auditioned for a weekend sports anchor role at WMAQ-TV in Chicago and landed the job. This launched a career that took him to ESPN, where he anchored SportsCenter, and MSG Network, where he called Knicks and Yankees games. He also became the first voice on WFAN Radio in New York.
Achievements at CBS and NBC
Gumbel joined CBS in 1988, initially as a freelance NFL play-by-play announcer. Over the years, he hosted college football studio shows, anchored Olympic coverage from Albertville (1992) and Lillehammer (1994), and provided play-by-play for NBA and MLB games. In 1994, he moved to NBC, where he hosted The NFL on NBC and daytime coverage of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
He returned to CBS in 1998 after the network regained NFL broadcasting rights, transitioning between play-by-play and studio hosting roles. After the 2005 season, Gumbel shifted back to calling NFL games, working with analysts such as Dan Dierdorf, Trent Green, and Rich Gannon.
Personal Life and Legacy
A dedicated family man, Gumbel married his wife Marcy in 1973. In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by his sisters Renee and Rhonda, as well as his brother Bryant. Known for his love of baseball and the Rolling Stones, Gumbel’s contributions extended beyond the broadcast booth. He appeared as himself in episodes of Evening Shade, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Cosby, Yes, Dear, and Family Guy.
CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson praised Gumbel’s groundbreaking career and character, stating, “Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow. He was a tremendous broadcaster, a gifted storyteller, and one of the finest gentlemen in television.”
Greg Gumbel’s legacy as a pioneer and consummate professional will endure, inspiring generations of broadcasters and sports fans alike.
