Legendary sportscaster Greg Gumbel died on Friday at the age of 78, his family said in a statement.
The longtime NFL commentator and CBS Sports reporter – who covered everything from Super Bowls to Olympic events – died following a battle with cancer, his family told CBS News in the following statement:
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.
Gumbel was the older brother of veteran NBC reporter and sportscaster Bryant Gumbel. He was born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans but he was raised in Chicago.
CBS Sports issued a statement on Gumble’s passing:
A CBS Sports biography for the late commentator reads:
Gumbel worked for CBS Sports from October 1989 through May 1994. He hosted THE NFL TODAY, the Network’s NFL pre-game, halftime and post-game studio show (1990-93, 2004-05), including Super Bowl XXVI (1992), as well as Super Bowl XLVII (2013) and Super Bowl 50 (2016). He served as primetime anchor of CBS Sports’ coverage of the 1994 Olympic Winter Games and as co-anchor of the Network’s weekday-morning broadcasts of the 1992 Olympic Winter Games.
Gumbel also served as host of the Network’s coverage of “Speedweeks” from Daytona International Speedway in 1999, as well as host/play-by-play announcer for the College World Series (1989-93 and 2000-02). His other roles have included play-by-play announcer for regular-season and post-season Major League Baseball, host of the 1990 All-Star Game at Wrigley Field in Chicago and college football broadcasts for CBS Sports.
Gumbel worked for NBC Sports from 1994 to 1998.
