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Greg Gumbel, an influential CBS sportscaster known for his significant contributions to sports broadcasting, has passed away due to cancer, as reported in a statement from his family released by the network on Friday.
In their tribute, his wife, Marcy Gumbel, and daughter, Michelle Gumbel, expressed, “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.”
Earlier this year, Gumbel had to skip the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1997, citing family health concerns.
Gumbel rejoined CBS in 1998 after a stint at NBC, where he served as the network’s studio host. Just last year, he renewed his contract with CBS, allowing him to continue his role in college basketball while easing out of his NFL responsibilities.
Notably, in 2001, Gumbel made history by becoming the first Black announcer in the United States to provide play-by-play commentary for a major sports championship during Super Bowl 35.
David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, acknowledged Gumbel’s role in paving the way for future broadcasters, stating, “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.”
Hosted Coverage of Winter Olympics in 1992, 1994
Gumbel’s career with CBS included two separate tenures, during which he temporarily left for NBC after CBS lost its football contract in 1994, only to return when the network regained it in 1998.
He played a significant role in CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and contributed to Major League Baseball broadcasts over a four-year period. In 1995, he hosted the world figure skating championships and subsequently led the daytime coverage of the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta for NBC.
Sports organizations expressed deep sadness over his passing, recognizing Gumbel as one of the premier sportscasters of his generation. His extensive coverage spanned football, basketball, and the Olympic Games, demonstrating versatility across a variety of sports.
For instance, Gumbel served as the host for CBS’ NFL studio program The NFL Today between 1990 and 1993, and again from 2004 to 2005.
Reflecting on his earlier years in the profession, Gumbel recounted the challenge of stepping in to host The NFL Today after Brent Musburger. He described it as an intimidating honor.
His tenure also included play-by-play duties for NFL games as the leading announcer from 1998 to 2003, which included narration during Super Bowl 35 and 38. He returned to the broadcast booth in 2005 and continued until the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports analyst, voiced his sorrow over Gumbel’s death, acknowledging the gift of having known him. “Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him in my life,” Kellogg remarked.
NBA legend Magic Johnson paid tribute to Gumbel’s pioneering achievements in the industry, stating, “Greg was an African-American pioneer. He spent over 50 years in sports broadcasting – as one of the first studio hosts and in the broadcast booth for the NFL, March Madness, and more.”
As the elder brother of Bryant Gumbel, the well-known host of NBC’s Today and Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, Greg shared a legacy of excellence in journalism. Bryant was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Sports Emmys in 2003.
Greg Gumbel’s roots trace back to Chicago, where he graduated from Loras College in 1967 with a degree in English. Initially aiming to become an English teacher, he found his path to sportscasting through an audition at WMAQ-TV in Chicago in 1973, after his brother’s success in the field. He was quickly given the role of weekend sports anchor.
In his own words, Gumbel reflected on his initial struggles in front of the camera, stating, “By my own reckoning, it took me a good year to start to feel comfortable in front of a camera.”
Beyond his work at CBS, Gumbel also had stints with ESPN and the Madison Square Garden Network.
James Brown, host of The NFL Today, described Gumbel as “Mr. Versatility,” highlighting his remarkable ability to excel in various roles and assignments throughout his career.
Throughout his distinguished career, Gumbel received multiple local Emmy Awards and was honored with the 2007 Pat Summerall award for excellence in sports broadcasting.
In addition to his broadcasting achievements, Gumbel was actively involved in philanthropic efforts, dedicating three decades to the March of Dimes and serving on its board of trustees. He also contributed 16 years to the Sports Council for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Source
www.cbc.ca