Greg Gumbel, legendary CBS sports anchor, dies at 78

Greg Gumbel, the acclaimed CBS Sports anchor and commentator, has died at the age of 78.

Statement on Greg Gumbel’s death

Gumbel passed away after a courageous battle against cancer.

His family confirmed his passing in a statement on Friday, Dec 27, saying:

“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

Sports broadcasting career

Gumbel was born in New Orleans on May 3, 1946, and raised in Chicago. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967.

He has a younger brother, Bryant Gumbel, who also rose to fame in broadcasting as host of NBC’s “Today” show and “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” on HBO.

CBS Sports

Gumbel was a play-by-play announcer and studio host for CBS Sports, and previously spent several years on air for NBC Sports. He gain a multitude of fans for his hosting coverage ranging from “The NFL Today” to multiple Super Bowls and Olympic Games.

He joined CBS Sports in 1989 after years of hosting for the New York Knicks basketball and New York Yankees baseball for the Madison Square Garden Network, as well as other MSGN programs, which earned him a local Emmy Award.

Gumbel also worked for ESPN, WMAQ-TV Chicago, where he won two local Emmys, and WFAN Radio in New York City.

In 2022, Gumbel celebrated 50 years in broadcasting.

Gumbel was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.

Greg Gumbel’s community work

Outside sports broadcasting, Gumbel served two six-year terms as a member of the March of Dimes Board of Trustees and an additional 18 years as a member of the organization’s National Board of Advisors. For 16 years, he was also a member of the Sports Council for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, which provides direction and guidance for the mission of that organization.

He also served as member of the Board of Regents for his alma mater, Lora College, since 2009.