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The sports world received heartbreaking news on Friday regarding one of the industry's biggest media stars.
Longtime CBS Sports broadcaster Greg Gumbel has reportedly died at the age of 78 years old after a battle with cancer. His family confirmed the news on Friday.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel," his wife, Marcy, and his daughter, Michelle, said in a 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.
"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."
A statement from the family of Greg Gumbel pic.twitter.com/oAkSrW8EtJ
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) December 27, 2024Gumbel was best known as the voice of Selection Sunday, the CBS bracket show that revealed the 68-team field for college basketball's annual March Madness tournament. The older brother of sports journalist Bryant Gumbel, he acted as the in-studio host for CBS's coverage of the competition until 2023.
Gumbel also was known for his work in the NFL, working as a play-by-play announcer for NFL on CBS. Gumbel made history in 2001 when he became the first African-American announcer to call play-by-play of a major U.S. sports championship, as he was on the call for Super Bowl 35 between the Ravens and the Giants.
He celebrated his 50th year in broadcasting throughout 2022.
"The CBS Sports family is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel," David Berson said, president & CEO of CBS Sports. "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.
"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."
Sports world reacts to death of Greg Gumbel
Following the news of Gumbel's death, many prominent outlets and sports media personalities took to social media to give their thoughts on his passing.
— The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) December 27, 2024— Mid-Major Madness (@mid_madness) December 27, 2024So sad to hear about the passing of Greg Gumbel. Whether hosting or calling games Greg did it with passion poise and made it look effortless. One of the best ever RIP pic.twitter.com/PqV2gj4wma
— trey wingo (@wingoz) December 27, 2024RIP to Greg Gumbel, the voice behind one of the greatest wins in Ravens history. pic.twitter.com/DgpvScTLqu
— The Exit 52 Podcast (@Exit52Podcast) December 27, 2024RIP to Greg Gumbel, the voice behind one of the greatest wins in Ravens history. pic.twitter.com/DgpvScTLqu
— The Exit 52 Podcast (@Exit52Podcast) December 27, 2024The NCAA tournament theme music on CBS and Greg Gumbel’s voice on the 3rd Sunday of March gave you a pep in your step knowing that you made it through the winter, and spring and the best 4 days on the sports calendar was right around the corner. https://t.co/Vq2fYiZcID
— Brian Baranowski (@BBaranowski) December 27, 2024RIP to Greg Gumbel, the host of College Basketball for as long as I can remember. When I think of Selection Sunday and the CBS College Basketball studio show, he is always the first thing that comes to mind and had understated greatness. He was 78 years old pic.twitter.com/7HAivT1QuL
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) December 27, 2024
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