Greg Gumbel remembered fondly after legendary sports broadcaster dies at 78 from cancer: 'A pro's pro'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Sports broadcaster Greg Gumbel died on Friday, December 27, after battling cancer, his family announced in a statement shared by CBS.

The 78-year-old who announced NFL games on the network for decades is reportedly survived by his wife, Marcy, and daughter, Michelle.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” read the family's statement. "He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity," the statement added.

"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," the statement further read, adding "Greg's memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues, and all who loved him."

The illustrious career of Greg Gumbel

Born in New Orleans in 1946 and grown up in Chicago, Greg Gumbel became a known face on national television after joining CBS Sports in 1989.

He had previously done play-by-play breakdowns for New York Knicks basketball and New York Yankees baseball for the Madison Square Garden Network. He also hosted other programs that earned him a local Emmy Award.

Gambel also worked for ESPN and WFAN Radio in Chicago. He also won two local Emmys for his work with WMAQ-TV Chicago.

At CBS Sports, Gumbel hosted 'The NFL Today', the NFL pre-game, halftime, and post-game studio show from 1990-93 and 2004-05, Super Bowl XXVI in 1992, Super Bowl XLVII in 2013, and Super Bowl 50 in 2016. He also worked on the networks coverage on a host of important sporting events across the decades, including the Winter Olympics, MLB All Star Game of 1990, college football, and College World Series.

In 1994, Gumbel went to NBC Sports for four years, serving as host of 'The NFL on NBC.' He contributed on a number of shows on the network before returning to CBS in 1998.

Gumbel was presented with the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting. In 2022, he celebrated his 50th year of broadcasting.

Greg Gumbel is fondly remembered by friends and fans

David Berson, the president & CEO of CBS Sports, stated after the announcement of Gumbel's death, "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. 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," he continued.

"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," he added.

Others shared heartfelt tributes for Gumbel on social media, as the following tweets demonstrate.

"The news that Greg Gumbel has passed is just heartbreaking. Was an honor to share the March Madness desk with him," wrote sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson. "A pro’s pro and a gentleman of the highest order," Johnson added.

"Greg Gumbel wasn’t just one of the most gifted broadcasters in the history of sports television. He was one of the truly great gentlemen in the history of that business. A pleasure to watch him. Much more of a pleasure to know him," shared sports columnist Mike Lupica.

"Greg Gumbel was an iconic voice—fiercely smart, warm, trustworthy. He was also my friend. Greg wasn’t just funny—he was REALLY funny. I will miss him," stated sports commentator and former NFL player Phil Simms.

"Thank you for doing your job with class Mr Gumbel. Thank you for inspiring a young Black Boy to see there was more to life than the streets you grow up in or your circumstance. You taught us all there are no limits to what you can achieve or what sports you can cover," expressed former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III.

"I’m saddened to hear about the passing of longtime and legendary broadcaster and friend Greg Gumbel. Greg was an African-American pioneer," tweeted the legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson.

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