Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster who broke obstacles throughout his profession calling a few of the largest sporting occasions, has died from most cancers, in accordance with a press release from household launched by the community on Friday. He was 78.
“He leaves behind a legacy of affection, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years within the sports activities broadcast business; and his iconic voice won’t ever be forgotten,” his spouse Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel stated in a press release.
In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Event since 1997 as a result of what he stated on the time have been household well being points.
Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the community from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS final yr that allowed him to proceed internet hosting faculty basketball whereas stepping again from NFL asserting duties.
In 2001, he introduced Tremendous Bowl 35 for CBS, changing into the primary Black announcer within the U.S. to name play-by-play of a serious sports activities championship.
FILE – Dallas Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders, left, and operating again Michael Irvin (88) share the Vince Lombardi trophy as NBC commentator Greg Gumbel interviews the 2 after Tremendous Bowl XXX in Tempe, Ariz., Sunday, Jan. 28, 1996.
AP Picture/Ron Heflin, File
David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports activities, described Gumbel as somebody who broke obstacles and set requirements for others throughout his years as a voice for followers in sports activities, together with within the NFL and March Insanity.
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“An incredible broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the crucial exceptional and groundbreaking sports activities broadcasting careers of all time,” stated Berson.
Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the community for NBC when it misplaced soccer in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998.
He hosted CBS’ protection of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and referred to as Main League Baseball video games throughout its four-year run broadcasting the nationwide pastime. In 1995, he hosted the World Determine Skating Championships and the next yr hosted NBC’s daytime protection of the Olympic Summer season Video games in Atlanta.
However it was soccer and basketball the place he was finest identified and made his largest influence. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio present, The NFL As we speak from 1990 to 1993 and once more in 2004-05.
Earlier this yr, Gumbel recalled changing Brent Musburger as host of The NFL As we speak in 1990, describing it as intimidating and daunting.
“The truth that I received to sit down in the identical chair and do the identical factor or attempt to do the identical factor that he did was an unimaginable honor,” he stated.
Gumbel additionally referred to as NFL video games because the community’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, together with Tremendous Bowl 35 and 38. He returned to the NFL sales space in 2005, leaving that function after the 2022 season.
“Like all who knew and cherished him, I too am saddened by his demise, but additionally so very grateful to have identified him in my life,” Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports activities faculty basketball sport and studio analyst, stated in a press release. “What a present to be touched by such a great man and companion.”
Gumbel was the older brother of Bryant Gumbel, the host of NBC’s As we speak present and Actual Sports activities with Bryant Gumbel on HBO. Bryant Gumbel acquired a lifetime achievement award on the Sports activities Emmys in 2003.
Greg Gumbel grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loras Faculty in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967 with a level in English. He had plans to turn into an English trainer, however after his brother received into sportscasting, he auditioned at WMAQ-TV, an NBC affiliate in Chicago in 1973, in accordance with the e-book You Are Wanting Dwell!: How The NFL As we speak Revolutionized Sports activities Broadcasting. He was quickly provided a place as weekend sports activities anchor.
“I’m sort of stunned I received the job. I actually wasn’t anybody who was polished,” he stated within the e-book. “By my very own reckoning, it took me a great yr to begin to really feel snug in entrance of a digicam.”
Gumbel additionally labored for ESPN and the Madison Sq. Backyard community.
James Brown, who at the moment hosts The NFL As we speak, described Gumbel on Friday as “Mr. Versatility and likewise very telegenic.”
“It was my pleasure to name him a buddy and one who may do something that was given to him within the wake of an task,” he added.
Gumbel gained native Emmy Awards throughout his lengthy profession and was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports activities broadcasting.
Exterior of his profession as a sportscaster, he was affiliated with the March of Dimes for 3 many years, together with as a member of its board of trustees. He additionally was a member of the Sports activities Council for St Jude’s Kids’s Analysis Hospital for 16 years.
–With recordsdata from The Related Press’ Mike Sisak
© 2024 The Canadian Press
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