Longtime sports anchor, talker Greg Gumbel dies at age 78

On By Littum

Greg Gumbel, who broadcast the NFL on CBS and served as the network’s studio host for March Madness, has died at age 78.

Emmy-winning producer 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,” he wrote via the New York Post.

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Greg Gumbel is watching

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

“Greg was the best announcer a young producer/director could have because he was extremely inclusive and never lost his cool—except when we shot a Super Bowl Anti-Drug PSA in the South Bronx at voice and had a few choice words for me that I deserved.

“In addition to being a true professional, he was a kind, magnificent man. May his memory be a treasured blessing to his family and friends.”

Greg Gumbel is speaking

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 longtime “Real Sports” host Bryant Gumbel.

Before breaking through 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 anchored several Olympic Games and last called an NFL game in 2022.

Greg Gumbel and Bill Raftery prelude

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)

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Gumbel’s voice was the one fans heard when the March Madness bracket was announced.

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