The sports broadcasting world mourns the loss of a true icon, Greg Gumbel, who passed away at the age of 78. For those wondering, “Where Is Greg Gumbel now?”, the answer is he leaves behind a monumental legacy etched in the annals of sports television history. His passing marks the end of an era for CBS Sports and the entire industry, remembered for his golden voice, insightful commentary, and unwavering professionalism.
His family’s heartfelt statement released on Friday conveyed the depth of their loss:
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.
He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.
Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him. — Marcy & Michelle Gumbel
Greg Gumbel’s career spanned five decades, gracing the airwaves of CBS Sports and NBC Sports, where he became a household name. From hosting “The NFL Today” to anchoring Super Bowl and Olympic coverage, Gumbel’s versatile talent and affable demeanor captivated millions of viewers. His journey is a testament to dedication and excellence in sports broadcasting.
Greg Gumbel at the CBS Broadcast Center on March 7, 2021
Image: Greg Gumbel at CBS Broadcast Center in 2021, showcasing his enduring presence at the network.
David Berson, president & CEO of CBS Sports, echoed the sentiments of many: “The CBS Sports family is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel. There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television. He was beloved and respected by those of us who had the honor to call him a friend and colleague.” Berson further emphasized Gumbel’s groundbreaking career, noting, “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time. He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four.”
Greg Gumbel’s Illustrious Career: A Timeline of Broadcasting Excellence
Born in New Orleans on May 3, 1946, and raised in Chicago, Greg Gumbel’s path to broadcasting stardom began after graduating from Loras College in 1967. Interestingly, broadcasting talent runs in the family; his younger brother, Bryant Gumbel, also achieved prominence as host of NBC’s “Today” show and HBO’s “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.”
Greg’s early career saw him hone his skills at various outlets. Before joining CBS Sports in 1989, he garnered experience with WMAQ-TV Chicago, where he earned two local Emmy Awards, and WFAN Radio in New York City. He also served as a host and play-by-play announcer for New York Knicks basketball and New York Yankees baseball on the Madison Square Garden Network, adding a local Emmy to his accolades. His versatility was evident even in these early roles.
Milestones at CBS Sports and Beyond
Gumbel’s tenure at CBS Sports was marked by numerous high-profile assignments. He anchored “The NFL Today” during two stints (1990-93 and 2004-05), becoming a familiar face on NFL Sundays. He hosted Super Bowl XXVI (1992), Super Bowl XLVII (2013), and Super Bowl 50 (2016), moments that solidified his place in broadcasting history.
His Olympic coverage was equally significant. Gumbel served as primetime anchor for CBS Sports’ presentation of the 1994 Olympic Winter Games and co-anchor for weekday morning broadcasts during the 1992 Olympic Winter Games, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences across different sporting events.
Beyond football and the Olympics, Gumbel’s broadcasting portfolio included Major League Baseball, where he served as a play-by-play announcer and hosted the 1990 MLB All-Star Game. He also covered college football and the College World Series for many years, demonstrating his broad knowledge and passion for sports.
In a notable period from 1994 to 1998, Gumbel transitioned to NBC Sports, hosting “The NFL on NBC” pre-game show and NBC’s Super Bowl pre-game shows in 1996 and 1998. He also contributed to NBC’s baseball and NBA coverage, further expanding his reach.
Returning to CBS Sports in 1998, Gumbel continued to excel, teaming with analyst Phil Simms for six seasons on “The NFL on CBS.” He achieved a unique distinction by calling play-by-play for Super Bowls XXXV and XXXVIII, making him the first network broadcaster to both host and call play-by-play for the Super Bowl. His later roles included hosting “The NFL Today” again and partnering with Dan Dierdorf as an analyst. He also hosted “Inside the NFL” on SHOWTIME in 2014, demonstrating his adaptability to different platforms.
Greg Gumbel at the CBS Broadcast Center on March 7, 2021
Image: Greg Gumbel interviewing Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin after Super Bowl XXX in 1996, capturing his engaging interview style.
Tributes and Legacy: Remembering Greg Gumbel’s Impact
Lesley Visser, a long-time colleague at CBS Sports, fondly remembered Gumbel: “He really was one of the greats. He just had a light touch, he had a wit about him, and everyone loved working with him.” She highlighted his inherent dignity and the respect he commanded in the industry.
Ernie Johnson, host of “Inside the NBA,” shared his admiration on social media: “The news that Greg Gumbel has passed is just heartbreaking. Was an honor to share the March Madness desk with him. A pro’s pro and a gentleman of the highest order.”
Basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson acknowledged Gumbel’s pioneering role: “I’m saddened to hear about the passing of longtime and legendary broadcaster and friend Greg Gumbel. Greg was an African-American pioneer.”
Beyond the broadcast booth, Greg Gumbel dedicated himself to philanthropic endeavors. He was a staunch supporter of the March of Dimes, serving on their Board of Trustees and National Board of Advisors for many years. He also contributed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and served on the Board of Regents for Loras College, his alma mater. This commitment to service underscores his character beyond his professional achievements.
Lesley Visser poignantly summarized Gumbel’s priorities: “Greg Gumbel did not care about fame at all. He cared about the people he worked with and the work that he did.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Greg Gumbel – a broadcasting legend who valued his craft and his colleagues above personal recognition.
In conclusion, while we ask “where is Greg Gumbel?”, we find his enduring presence in the countless broadcasts he graced, the colleagues he inspired, and the hearts of sports fans worldwide. His legacy as a broadcasting icon and a true gentleman will continue to resonate for generations to come.
