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Tribute to Greg Gumbel: A Pioneer in Sports Broadcasting

Greg Gumbel, the esteemed CBS sportscaster, has passed away at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer, as reported by his family through a statement provided to CBS. His death marks the end of a remarkable era in sports broadcasting.

In a heartfelt message, 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.”

This past March, Gumbel was notably absent from his first NCAA Tournament since 1997, citing family health issues at that time. After returning to CBS from NBC in 1998, Gumbel became a familiar presence as the studio host for the network. Just last year, he extended his contract, allowing him to continue his role in college basketball while reducing his involvement in NFL broadcasts.

Notably, Gumbel made history in 2001 by becoming the first Black announcer in the United States to provide play-by-play commentary for a major sports championship when he called Super Bowl XXXV for CBS. His contributions to sports broadcasting broke significant barriers and paved the way for future generations.

David Berson, the president and CEO of CBS Sports, praised Gumbel as a trailblazer who set the standard for sports broadcasting, saying, “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.”

Gumbel experienced two significant stints at CBS. After departing for NBC when CBS lost its NFL contract in 1994, he returned in 1998, when the network regained its football rights. Throughout his career, he hosted CBS’ coverage of multiple Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during CBS’s time broadcasting the sport. He also hosted events like the World Figure Skating Championships and NBC’s coverage of the 1996 Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta.

However, Gumbel is perhaps best remembered for his influential roles in football and basketball broadcasting. He hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, ‘The NFL Today’, during the early 1990s and later returned to the show in 2004. Gumbel was the lead play-by-play announcer for NFL games on CBS from 1998 to 2003, including high-profile Super Bowl matchups. He continued to call NFL games until stepping back after the 2022 season.

Clark Kellogg, CBS Sports college basketball analyst, shared his condolences, reflecting, “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. What a gift to be touched by such a good man and partner.”

Gumbel, who was the elder brother of fellow sportscaster Bryant Gumbel, was raised in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Iowa in 1967 with a degree in English. Over the years, he garnered numerous accolades, including local Emmy Awards and the prestigious 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.

Beyond his broadcasting career, Gumbel dedicated three decades to the March of Dimes, serving on its board of trustees, and was also involved with the Sports Council for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for 16 years.

Source
www.theguardian.com