Legendary CBS Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Passes Away At 78

CBS Sports anchor and commentator Greg Gumbel has died at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer.

His family confirmed his passing in a statement to CBS News, saying, “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” according to a statement from his wife, Marcy, and his daughter, Michelle.

“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.”

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Gumbel began his career in sportscasting in the 1970s after his brother Bryant told him about a job opening at NBC’s O&O station in Chicago. He worked there for seven years before moving on to ESPN, where he anchored SportsCenter and called NBA games.

Gumbel later covered Yankee games for MSG Network and became the host of the first radio morning show on WFAN in New York City.

Gumbel joined CBS Sports in 1988 as a part-time NFL announcer, and his role expanded to include coverage of college basketball and The NFL Today. He also contributed to CBS’s broadcasts of MLB, college football, the NCAA Tournament, the Daytona 500, and the Pepsi 400. Gumbel left CBS in 1994 to join NBC Sports but returned to CBS four years later, where he would remain for much of the rest of his illustrious career.

In 2022, Gumbel celebrated his 50th year in broadcasting. David Berson, President & CEO of CBS Sports, reflected on Gumbel’s impact in a statement:

“The CBS Sports family is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel. There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television. He was beloved and respected by those of us who had the honor to call him a friend and colleague. A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.”

Berson continued, “He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four. Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow. It is an extremely sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and the entire sports community. We will miss Greg dearly, and send our deepest condolences to his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle, and his entire family.”