Greg Gumbel, a legendary sports broadcaster affectionately known as “broadcasting royalty,” has passed away at the age of 78 following a battle with cancer, his wife and daughter announced in a statement shared by CBS Sports on X.
“He passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, after a courageous battle with cancer.”
Gumbel, a CBS Sports studio host and play-by-play announcer for over 25 years, covered events such as five Super Bowls and the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. His family praised his strength during his illness, describing him as facing it with “stoicism, grace, and positivity.”
“He was consistently excellent at his job.”
CBS Sports expressed deep sorrow in a statement, saying, “We are devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel.”
David Berson, President and CEO of CBS Sports, called Gumbel “a gentleman of the highest order” and added, “He was beloved and respected by everyone privileged to call him a friend and colleague.”
The sports world also paid tribute to Gumbel on Friday. Harold Bryant, CBS Sports’ executive producer and executive vice president of production, hailed him as a “role model and pioneer.”
“Greg set a high bar for excellence in the industry. Whether as a play-by-play announcer, studio host, or interviewer of elite athletes, Greg was smooth, trustworthy, and widely respected.”
He treated everyone with respect and gratitude. Greg – you will be deeply missed.”
Clark Kellogg, CBS college basketball analyst and former professional player, reflected on nearly 25 years of friendship and collaboration with Greg Gumbel, praising his “friendship, goodness, humor, partnership, professionalism, and wisdom.”
“He excelled in his work and was exemplary in his care and character,” Kellogg said in a statement.
Sports announcer Jim Nantz, whose career paralleled Gumbel’s for nearly 35 years, called him “as selfless a broadcaster as the industry has ever known.”
“Greg Gumbel was broadcasting royalty,” Nantz said. I have immense love and respect for him, and I will miss him dearly.”
Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament in March since 1997, citing family health issues at the time, according to The Associated Press.
Last year, Gumbel extended his contract with CBS, continuing his role as a college basketball host while stepping away from NFL announcing duties.
Born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans, Gumbel grew up in Chicago, as noted in a CBS News biography.
Gumbel returned to CBS Sports in January 1998 as a play-by-play announcer and host, having previously worked for the network from October 1989 to May 1994.
