Greg Gumbel, the legendary CBS Sports commentator who called two Super Bowls for the network, has passed away at the age of 78.
Greg Gumbel’s wife Marcy and daughter Michelle announced in a statement shared by CBS that he passed away following “a courageous battle with cancer.” Marcy and Michelle wrote that Gumbel was “surrounded by much love” when he passed:
“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. 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. — Marcy & Michelle Gumbel.”
A statement from the family of Greg Gumbel pic.twitter.com/oAkSrW8EtJ
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) December 27, 2024
After the 2022 NFL season, it was reported that Gumbel had signed a new deal with CBS Sports. Gumbel continued to work on the network’s college basketball coverage and moved on from NFL play-by-play voice duties.
Fans noticed that Greg Gumbel was absent from CBS’ coverage of 2024 March Madness, and it was reported soon after that had to miss it because of health issues.
Gumbel made history in Super Bowl 35 between the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants when he became the first African-American announcer to call a Super Bowl game. Gumbel also called Super Bowl 38 between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers.
Gumbel’s first stint at CBS Sports began in 1988 and ran through 1994, before moving to NBC later in the latter year. After CBS regained its NFL broadcast rights, he returned to the network and spent the remainder of his broadcasting career there.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Greg Gumbel’s family and loved ones during his difficult time.
There Won’t Be Another Greg Gumbel
Gumbel was one of those announcers that just flourished in whichever sport he was assigned to, be it football, basketball or baseball (he did MLB play-by-play commentary work for NBC and CBS).
His iconic voice and tremendous enthusiasm added more to some of the greatest moments he called, including the two Super Bowls, the Ravens-Steelers 2010 Divisional Round and the Mile High Miracle between Baltimore and the Denver Broncos.
