Greg Gumbel, a legendary sports broadcaster whose calls of some of the most iconic college and professional basketball games are etched in the memories of many, died Friday at his home in Florida. He was 78.
Gumbel’s family confirmed his death in a statement distributed by CBS Sports, where he worked since 1989. According to reports, he had been battling cancer.
Over a career spanning more than five decades, Gumbel broke barriers as the first Black commentator to call play-by-play for a major sports championship, including Super Bowl XXXV for CBS.
“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,” his wife, Marcy Gumbel, and daughter, Michelle Gumbel, said in a statement.
David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, praised Gumbel for his groundbreaking contributions. “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable careers in sports broadcasting history,” he said.
Fans and peers turned to social media to pay homage to Gumbel. So many cherished memories were revisited when hearing his voice during March Madness and Selection Sunday. “Selection Sundays will never be the same again! RIP Mr. Gumbel,” wrote one commenter. “I had no idea how hard this was gonna hit me,” added another.
Born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans, Gumbel grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Iowa in 1967 with a degree in English. His broadcasting journey began in the 1970s by covering high school basketball games and soared in the 1980s when he started covering the NBA and later the NFL.
Through his long and outstanding career, Gumbel has garnered multiple awards, including local Emmy Awards and the highly revered Pat Summerall Award in 2007 for excellence in sports broadcasting.
Greg Gumbel’s iconic career and voice have truly left a mark on the world of sports, thus forever entrenching his legacy into history.
