Greg Gumbel, the respected sportscaster known for his work with CBS, has passed away at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. His family released a statement describing him as a beloved husband and father who faced his illness with courage and positivity. Gumbel died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Gumbel was notable for being a trailblazer in sports broadcasting, becoming the first black network broadcaster to cover a major sports championship when he presented Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. He returned for Super Bowl XXXVIII three years later and was also recognized for his extensive coverage of college basketball and the NCAA Tournament, though he missed the event last year due to health issues.
In addition to his long tenure at CBS, Gumbel worked at NBC and ESPN, where he made a name for himself on SportsCenter. His family expressed that he left behind a legacy of love and dedication that spanned over 50 years in the industry, emphasizing that his voice and memory will always be cherished.
Following the announcement of his death, colleagues from CBS, including Jim Nantz, Clark Kellogg, and Leslie Visser, paid tribute to Gumbel. Nantz highlighted their long friendship and Gumbel’s significant impact on the CBS Sports family. Kellogg praised Gumbel’s professionalism and humor, while Visser recognized him as a foundational figure in CBS, celebrating his humanity and warmth.
Gumbel’s contributions to sports journalism and his gracious presence in the industry will be remembered fondly by family, friends, and colleagues alike.