Legendary sports broadcaster Greg Gumbel has died at the age of 78

The sports community mourns the death of the legendary announcer 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 Sports on Friday, December 27, “passed away peacefully surrounded by great love after a courageous battle with cancer.”

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

Greg has dedicated more than five decades to the sport. He joined CBS Sports in 1989 after years of hosting and play-by-play duties 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 guest NFL today and managed to cover three Super Bowls. He also became a key part of the network’s coverage of March Madness.

“I wanted to model myself after (fellow CBS play-by-play man) Pat Summerall” Greg once said Sports Illustrated in 2022. “It was not ongoing. He was underrated. He was specific in the things he said. And he was great. But how can you not be awesome when you do Giants-Cowboys, Bears-Packers, Rams-49ers, Eagles-Giants?”

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

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

CBS Sports honored Greg as having one of the “most remarkable and ground-breaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.” He was also called “a great announcer and a gifted storyteller”.

“He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans in 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 throughout life off any field.

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