Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster who broke boundaries throughout his profession calling a number of the largest sporting occasions, has died from most cancers, in line with an announcement from household launched by the community on Friday.
“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, mentioned in an announcement.
In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Event since 1997 on account of what he mentioned 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 school basketball whereas stepping again from NFL saying 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.
David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports activities, described Gumbel as somebody who broke boundaries and set requirements for others throughout his years as a voice for followers in sports activities, together with within the NFL and March Insanity.
“An amazing broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the exceptional and groundbreaking sports activities broadcasting careers of all time,” mentioned Berson.
Hosted protection of Winter Olympics in 1992, 1994
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 known 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 time Video games in Atlanta.
We’re saddened to be taught of the passing of Greg Gumbel, one of many preeminent sportscasters of his time.
Whereas recognized for his a few years overlaying soccer, basketball, and the Olympic Video games, Gumbel served as a bunch and play-by-play man for a number of of Baseball’s largest occasions in… pic.twitter.com/CwYBLncOok
—@MLB
Nevertheless it was soccer and basketball the place he was greatest recognized and made his largest impression. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio present The NFL At present from 1990 to 1993, and once more in 2004-05.
Earlier this yr, Gumbel recalled changing Brent Musburger as host of The NFL At present in 1990, describing it as intimidating and daunting.
“The truth that I acquired to take a seat in the identical chair and do the identical factor or attempt to do the identical factor that he did was an unbelievable honour,” he mentioned.
Gumbel additionally known 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 liked him. I too am saddened by his demise, but additionally so very grateful to have recognized him in my life,” Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports activities school basketball recreation and studio analyst, mentioned in an announcement. “What a present to be touched by such man and companion.”
I’m saddened to listen to concerning the passing of longtime and legendary broadcaster and good friend Greg Gumbel. Greg was an African-American pioneer. He spent over 50 years in sports activities broadcasting – as one of many first studio hosts and within the broadcast sales space for the NFL, March Insanity, and…
Gumbel was the older brother of Bryant Gumbel, the host of NBC’s At present 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 School in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967 with a level in English. He deliberate to change into an English trainer however auditioned at WMAQ-TV, an NBC affiliate in Chicago, in 1973 after his brother acquired into sportscasting, in line with the guide You Are Wanting Stay!: How The NFL At present Revolutionized Sports activities Broadcasting. He was quickly provided a place as weekend sports activities anchor.
“I am sort of shocked I acquired the job. I definitely wasn’t anybody who was polished,” he mentioned within the guide. “By my very own reckoning, it took me 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 present hosts The NFL At present, described Gumbel on Friday as, “Mr. Versatility and in addition very telegenic.”
“It was my pleasure to name him a good friend and one who might 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.
Outdoors of his profession as a sportscaster, he was affiliated with the March of Dimes for 3 a long time, 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.
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