Longtime sports anchor, announcer Greg Gumbel dies at 78

Greg Gumbel, who broadcast the NFL on CBS and served as studio host of 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 lots of love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness as one would expect, with stoicism, grace and positivity,” wrote Marcy and Michelle Gumbel.

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CBS announcer Greg Gumbel before the 2021 NCAA Tournament National Championship game between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)

Emmy winner produced by Dan Forer 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 a young producer/director could have because he was extremely inclusive and never lost his cool—except when we were shooting the Super Bowl Anti-Drug PSA in the South Bronx at 2 a.m. and there was a live shooting. That was the only time Greg raised his voice and had a few choice words for me;

“Besides being a true professional, he was also a kind, magnificent man. May his memory be a precious blessing to his family and friends.”

CBS commentator Greg Gumbel before the 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 Super Bowl in 2001, becoming the first African-American to call a major sports championship. He was the older brother of longtime “Real Sports” host Bryant Gumbel.

Before making it big with CBS, Greg worked for MSG, ESPN and WFAN in New York, also called New York Knicks and Yankees games and hosted “SportsCenter.”

He has also hosted several Olympics and last called an NFL game in 2022.

CBS commentators Greg Gumbel and Bill Raftery before the game between the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. (Rob Kinnan/USA Today Sports)

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Gumbel’s voice was one that fans heard when he March Madness bracket it was announced.

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