NEW YORK (AP) — Longtime CBS sportscaster Greg Gumbel has died of cancer, according to a family statement released Friday by CBS. He was 78 years old.
“He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication for more than 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcasting industry, and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.” Gumbel and his daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement.
In March, Gumbel missed the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1997, citing family health issues. Gumbel had been a CBS studio host since returning to CBS from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed a contract extension with CBS last year that allows him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping away from NFL announcing duties.
In 2001, he announced Super Bowl XXXV on CBS, becoming the first black announcer in the United States to provide play-by-play for a major sports championship.
David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, said Greg Gumbel has broken down barriers throughout his career as a fan advocate in sports, including the NFL and March Madness, and is a leader in other sports. He said he was setting standards for people.
“A great broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers in history,” said Berson.
Gumbel was with CBS twice, leaving the network when NBC lost football in 1994 and returning when he regained his contract in 1998.
He hosted CBS’s coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called the Major League Baseball game a national pastime during its four-year run.
But it was football and basketball that he was best known for and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004.
He also covered NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowls XXXV and XXXVIII. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005 and left the role after the 2022 season.
First Published: December 27, 2024 3:03 PM PST
