Legendary sportscaster Greg Gumbel has died at the age of 78

The sports community mourns the death of the legendary broadcaster Greg Gumbel. He was 78.

“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” his family said in a statement via CBS Sport Friday, December 27 “He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer.”

According to the wife, Marcyand his daughter, MichelleGreg “approached his illness as one would expect him to, with stoicism, grace and positivity.”

Greg spent more than five decades covering sports. He joined CBS Sports in 1989 after several years of hosting and play-by-play duties for New York Knicks basketball and New York Yankees baseball for the Madison Square Garden Network.

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During his career, he had the opportunity to host NFL today and was able to cover three Super Bowls. He also became a key part of the network’s March Madness coverage.

“I wanted to pattern myself after (with CBS play-by-play man) Pat Summerall,” Greg once told Sports Illustrated in 2022. “He did not persuade. He was understated. He was specific about the things he said. And he was amazing. But how can you not be great when you do Giants-Cowboys, Bears-Packers, Rams-49ers, Eagles-Giants?

A major career achievement came when Greg was asked to be the primetime anchor for CBS Sports’ coverage of the 1994 Winter Olympics.

“There has never been a better gentleman in all of television,” CBS Sports said in one declaration on December 27. “He was loved and respected by those of us who had the honor of calling him a friend and colleague. … It is an extremely sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and the entire sports community.”

CBS Sports praised Greg for having one of “the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.” They also called him a “tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller.”

“He was a familiar and welcoming voice to fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four,” the statement continued. “Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow.”

While sports fans continue to mourn Greg’s loss, his immediate family members will remember his “iconic voice” on game day as well as the love he showed for life away from any field.

“He leaves a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcasting industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” read his family’s statement. “Greg’s memory will forever be cherished by his family, his dear friends, colleagues and all who loved him.”