Greg Gumbel, who broadcast the NFL on CBS and was the network’s studio host for March Madness, has died at the age of 78.
Gumbel’s family said in a statement that Gumbel died after a bout with cancer.
“He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness as one would expect him to, with stoicism, grace and positivity,” Marcy and Michelle Gumbel wrote.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
CBS announcer Greg Gumbel before the 2021 NCAA Tournament national championship between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)
Emmy-winning producer Dan Forer announced Gumbel’s death in a Facebook post.
“The holidays are supposed to be full of joy, but they are often mixed with sadness. I just learned that my dear friend Greg Gumbel passed away,” he wrote via the New York Post.
“Greg was the best announcer a young producer/director could have because he was extremely inclusive and never lost his cool, except when we were filming a Super Bowl anti-drug PSA in the South Bronx at 2 a.m. and gunshots broke out in alive. That was the only time Greg raised his voice and said some words to me that I deserved;
“In addition to being a true professional, he was a kind and magnificent man. May his memory be a treasured blessing to his family and friends.”
CBS commentator Greg Gumbel before a game between the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. (Rob Kinnan/USA Today Sports)
Gumbel missed last year’s tournament due to “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 “Real Sports” host Bryant Gumbel.
Before breaking out with CBS, Greg worked for MSG, ESPN and WFAN in New York, also calling New York Knicks and Yankees games and hosting “SportsCenter.”
He also hosted several Olympic Games and last called an NFL game in 2022.
CBS commentators Greg Gumbel and Bill Raftery before a game between the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. (Rob Kinnan/USA Today Sports)
Gumbel’s voice was the one fans heard when the March Madness bracket was announced.
