Greg Gumbel, who broadcast the NFL on CBS and served as studio host for March Madness, has died at the age of 78.
Gumbel's family announced in a statement that Gumbel passed away after a battle with cancer.
“After a courageous battle with cancer, he passed away peacefully surrounded by so much love,” Marcy and Michelle Gumbel wrote in a statement. He faced his illness with compassion and positivity.”
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CBS announcer Greg Gumbel before the 2021 NCAA Tournament national championship game between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)
Emmy Award-winning producer Dan Foller announced Gumbel's death in a Facebook post.
“The holidays should be filled with joy, but they are often mixed with sadness. I just learned that my dear friend Greg Gumbel has passed away,” he wrote, via the New York Post.
“Greg was the best announcer for a young producer and director because he was so inclusive and never lost his cool. We were filming a Super Bowl anti-drug PSA in the South Bronx at 2 a.m. That was the only time Greg spoke up and said a few choice words to me.
“In addition to being a true professional, he was a kind and wonderful person. May his memory be a cherished blessing to his family and friends.”
CBS commentator Greg Gumbel before the Duke Blue Devils vs. NC State Wolfpack game at PNC Arena. (Rob Kinnan/USA Today Sports)
Gumbel withdrew from last year's tournament, citing “family health issues.”
Gumbel called the 2001 Super Bowl, becoming the first African American to call a major sports championship. He was the older brother of longtime “Real Sports” host Bryant Gumbel.
Before his huge success at CBS, Greg worked at MSG, ESPN, and WFAN in New York, calling games between the New York Knicks and Yankees, and also hosted “SportsCenter.”
He also anchored several Olympics, but was last called up for an NFL game in 2022.
CBS commentators Greg Gumbel and Bill Raftery before the game between the Duke Blue Devils and NC State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. (Rob Kinnan/USA Today Sports)
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Gumbel's voice was the one fans heard when the March Madness slot was announced.
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