Greg Gumbel, a distinguished American sportscaster renowned for his extensive career with CBS Sports, passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Gumbel was the eldest child of Rhea Alice (LeCesne) and Richard Dunbar Gumbel, a judge. He was raised on Chicago’s South Side, attending De La Salle Institute, and later graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Loras College in 1967, where he also played baseball. His younger brother, Bryant Gumbel, also became a prominent television broadcaster.
Gumbel’s broadcasting career commenced in 1973 at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. He subsequently held significant positions at ESPN and NBC before establishing a long-standing tenure at CBS Sports. At CBS, Gumbel became a familiar face as the host of “The NFL Today” and provided coverage for a wide array of sports, including basketball, football, and baseball. Notably, he made history as the first African-American announcer to provide play-by-play commentary for a major U.S. sports championship when he called Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.
Throughout his career, Gumbel was celebrated for his meticulous preparation, professionalism, and versatility. He hosted and called numerous significant sporting events, including the Olympics, the Super Bowl, and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, commonly known as March Madness. His contributions to sports broadcasting were acknowledged with multiple Emmy Awards, reflecting his excellence and dedication to the craft.
Beyond his professional achievements, Gumbel was known for his charitable endeavors, particularly his support for organizations such as the March of Dimes and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. His commitment to philanthropy mirrored the integrity and compassion he exhibited throughout his broadcasting career.
Gumbel’s passing elicited an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, athletes, and fans. CBS Sports President David Berson remarked, “Greg was a pioneer in the industry, whose talent and professionalism were unparalleled. He was a beloved member of the CBS Sports family and will be deeply missed.” Similarly, ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap described Gumbel as “a giant in the business,” highlighting the profound impact he had on sports broadcasting.
Gumbel is survived by his wife, Marcy, and daughter, Michelle. In a statement, his family emphasized his positive approach to his illness and his enduring legacy in the sports broadcast industry. They expressed gratitude for the support and tributes that have poured in, underscoring the widespread respect and admiration Gumbel garnered throughout his life.
Greg Gumbel’s career spanned over five decades, during which he broke barriers and set new standards in sports broadcasting. His voice became synonymous with some of the most memorable moments in sports history, and his legacy as a trailblazer and consummate professional will continue to inspire future generations of broadcasters.
