The sports world was saddened to learn of the passing of Greg Gumbel, the longtime sportscaster for CBS Sports, who died at the age of 78. Gumbel, who was an award-winning broadcaster for more than 50 years and worked with CBS Sports, NBC Sports, WFAN and a variety of other broadcasting outlets.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” Marcy and Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. “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.”
David Berson, the president & CEO of CBS Sports said, “The CBS Sports family is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel. There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television. He was beloved and respected by those of us who had the honor to call him a friend and colleague. A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time. He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four.”
Many in and around sports media expressed their thoughts on social media:
So sad to hear about the passing of Greg Gumbel. Whether hosting or calling games Greg did it with passion poise and made it look effortless. One of the best ever RIP pic.twitter.com/PqV2gj4wma
— trey wingo (@wingoz) December 27, 2024
This is so sad . Greg was amazing teammate-talented-unselfish- always working to make everyone else look good . He was so talented he made everything he did in TV look easy – but he was so well prepared ! Our prayers go out to Greg's Family . Our @CBSSports family is hurting. https://t.co/ZUZ2jOreFq
— Jay Wright (@CoachJayWright) December 27, 2024
A 50-year career in sports broadcasting is a rarity, and Greg Gumbel was a true professional throughout. RIP to a legend. 🙏🏾✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/SnicrgXpUy
— Michael Eaves (@michaeleaves) December 27, 2024
Greg Gumbel had the kind of career we dream of in our industry. He was talented, versatile, professional, respected, and tenured. Sad to learn of his passing, and sad that I never met him and got to say thank you for the inspiration. RIP 🙏🏾
— stan verrett (@stanverrett) December 27, 2024
It hurts my heart to hear of the passing of Greg. He was a great colleague and friend. I will never forget the first time I met him. I was interning at CBS and got him lost in the broadcast center. lol. The first of many memories we shared. He will be missed. ❤️ https://t.co/og3dOOSaeD
— Tracy Wolfson (@tracywolfson) December 28, 2024
The news that Greg Gumbel has passed is just heartbreaking. Was an honor to share the March Madness desk with him.
— Ernie Johnson (@TurnerSportsEJ) December 28, 2024
A pro’s pro and a gentleman of the highest order. 🤟🏻🤟🤟🏾🤟🏽
Greg Gumbel was an iconic voice—fiercely smart, warm, trustworthy. He was also my friend. Greg wasn’t just funny—he was REALLY funny. I will miss him. pic.twitter.com/kYkJkcT9pW
— Phil Simms (@PhilSimmsQB) December 28, 2024
This is so sad. Greg was kind, warm and always welcoming. RIP. https://t.co/mvzcUdLKUa
— Andrew Catalon (@AndrewCatalon) December 27, 2024
Greg Gumbel was a giant in the business. Unflappable. I wrote for him at two Olympics, in Lillehammer and Atlanta. In Lillehammer, he was hosting the highest-rated unscripted show in tv history–second highest-rated, period, surpassed only by the last episode of MASH–and he was… pic.twitter.com/WWbDHhPl5O
— Jeremy Schaap (@JeremySchaap) December 27, 2024
It was 1998. CBS just got the NFL back, & hired a fresh-faced 28 yr old from ESPN to do pregame features.
— Bonnie Bernstein (@BonnieBernstein) December 28, 2024
She was nervous. Did she belong?
Greg Gumbel was the kind, warm, welcoming voice that instilled in her the belief that she did.
You will be missed, Legend. #RIP 🙏 pic.twitter.com/c5VeEOQgnt
Hard to put into words how special Greg Gumbel was. Terrific at everything he did … host, play-by-play you name the sport, he always had the right words and made every person he worked with shine. It was an honor to get to know him and we are sending our prayers to his family.
— MikeTirico (@miketirico) December 28, 2024
My heart is heavy seeing the news that Greg passed. What an amazing man. If you were lucky enough to cross paths with him, he always had a smile on his face.
— Gene Steratore (@GeneSteratore) December 27, 2024
Rest in Peace ❤️
This art work from a 1981 On Cable feature illustrates the prominence of Greg Gumbel at ESPN in the 80s. And his warm demeanor made him beloved by his colleagues. RIP Greg. pic.twitter.com/xlMhpJnqnz
— Mike Soltys (@MichaelJSoltys) December 27, 2024
Heart is heavy tonight for a dear friend and colleague. Greg Gumbel was an: affable, intelligent, best-in-class Network Broadcaster! One of the best to dawn the eye jacket; an easy laugh and ready smile. RIP. pic.twitter.com/zOnE0DgCO6
— Spencer Tillman (@SpenceTillman) December 28, 2024
RIP to Greg Gumbel, the host of College Basketball for as long as I can remember. When I think of Selection Sunday and the CBS College Basketball studio show, he is always the first thing that comes to mind and had understated greatness. He was 78 years old pic.twitter.com/7HAivT1QuL
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) December 27, 2024
So sad to hear of the passing of Greg Gumble. What a talent but more so what a sincere, humble and incredibly nice person beloved by all. He was a joy. Prayers to his family and huge circle of friends ❤️🙏
— Dan Hicks (@DanHicksNBC) December 28, 2024
The first time I watched SportsCenter, these were my anchors. #RIPGregGumbel pic.twitter.com/sqLucvzk67
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) December 28, 2024
I had the pleasure of working with Greg for a number of years and can’t overstate his kindness and professionalism. Will always remember his sense of humor, and of course, great love of The Rolling Stones. Rest in Peace, my friend.🙏🏻 https://t.co/b3Icbkb7Od
— Hannah Storm (@HannahStormESPN) December 28, 2024
Sad news …..One of the best ever to do it . So smooth . #RIPGreg https://t.co/SYIjnmSptO
— Gabriel Morency (@sportsrage) December 27, 2024
Whenever a person has said to me that you have to be cutthroat-at-all-costs to make it to the top of the sports broadcasting world then I know they'd never met Greg Gumbel. What a pro. And a pro who loved his life.
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) December 27, 2024
Will always remember Greg Gumbel for calling the "Tuck Rule Game, the AFC Championship game in Pitt when Bledsoe replaced Brady and also the Pats Carolina Super Bowl 38. He was a comforting presence on television. Didn't seem to have an ego. He will be missed. RIP, Greg Gumbel.
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) December 27, 2024
Greg Gumbel wasn’t just one of the most gifted broadcasters in the history of sports television. He was one of the truly great gentlemen in the history of that business. A pleasure to watch him. Much more of a pleasure to know him.
— Mike Lupica (@MikeLupica) December 28, 2024
— Sherree Burruss (@SherreeBurruss) December 27, 2024
6 incredible seasons with one of the all time greats! Greg always made everyone around him better. Amazing stories and life experiences, humor, professionalism, friendship, loyalty. I am so thankful for our time together. You will be missed Greg. pic.twitter.com/mfqjyFLsL9
— Trent Green (@trentgreen10) December 28, 2024
Oh man! Just heard Greg Gumbel passed away at age 78. NFL on CBS? The host of Selection Sunday for March Madness. I remember when WFAN(then WHN 1050) signed on as the 1st All Sports Station ever, he was one of the hosts! RIP to a broadcasting legend!
— Steve Tannen (@SportsTalk953) December 27, 2024
Rest in Peace to the Legend Greg Gumbel. He honored me with this picture at the Sports Emmys after graciously spending 20 mins giving me advice and encouragement on navigating the broadcast industry.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 28, 2024
I cherished this moment more than he ever imagined. Mr. Gumbel was a one of a… pic.twitter.com/Q0Mf3WRsEe
One of the best to ever do it 💔 https://t.co/bZBFWZpuzi
— Jenny Dell (@JennyDell_) December 27, 2024
Legendary broadcaster Greg Gumbel has passed away at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer.
— OutKick (@Outkick) December 27, 2024
Thank you for all the March Madness and other sports memories.
You will be missed. pic.twitter.com/olhWrxpJrR
The consummate professional. He was so enjoyable to watch and looked like he absolutely loved what he did. When this man came on your screen on Selection Sunday it signaled that the madness could officially begin. Thoughts and prayers to Greg’s family and friends. https://t.co/dcka90XFnp
— John Fanta (@John_Fanta) December 27, 2024
The thing with Greg Gumbel is that he was more than just the voice for an event. He was the soundtrack for a very specifically giddy feeling for millions of people like me, knowing that his presence on our screens meant the best sporting event in the world was finally here
— Craig Meyer (@ByCraigMeyer) December 27, 2024
51 NFL games with Greg Gumbel.
— Jamie Erdahl (@JamieErdahl) December 28, 2024
I will miss his stories and his warmth. He welcomes me with open arms and those around him learned so much by watching operate as a broadcaster and a human. Love you Greg and I’ll miss you. 🩶 pic.twitter.com/nDDiDPJmXI
Our CBS Soorts family loved Greg Gumbel. Heartbreaking loss. ❤️…..
— LeslieAnne Wade (@LeslieAnneWade) December 27, 2024
R.I.P. to a true gentleman and one of the best to ever do it. Prayers to his family 🙏🏻 https://t.co/KFPqOVUs4C
— Dan Graca (@DanGraca) December 27, 2024
So sad to hear of the passing of the legend Greg Gumbel. A pro’s pro and as friendly and kind as anyone you could ever hope to meet. Sending deepest condolences to his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/tJSE4HBb6f
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) December 28, 2024
Greg was incredibly kind to me and everyone at CBS Sports. He loved his family, sports and live music. He was as friendly as his disposition on TV… damn Cancer sucks https://t.co/mt6ybwX7uy
— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) December 27, 2024
Rest in Heaven to a legend! 🙏🏾 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/hWDOuOiQ54
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) December 27, 2024
Saddened by the passing of Greg Gumbel – the consummate professional & a wonderful colleague and friend. I was fortunate to work with Greg at @MSGNetworks in the late 80’s. He was class personified. Sending condolences to his family & the sports broadcasting world. He was a gem.
— Bruce Beck (@BruceBeck4NY) December 27, 2024
Awful news. Prayers with his family. https://t.co/HEhqYDHnjn
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 27, 2024
Greg Gumbel. One of the kindest, most welcoming and encouraging peers when I joined @CBSSports more than a decade ago. As I did this past Spring, I’ll miss our March Madness catch-ups. The family photos and the laughs. RIP 💔 pic.twitter.com/hqgo0e35VP
— Dana Jacobson (@danajacobson) December 28, 2024
If Greg Gumbel was on my screen, I knew it was a big deal. Smooth and sincere. Versatility, defined handling everything from NFL to NASCAR to NCAAs.
— John Chandler (@JohnChandlerNBC) December 27, 2024
He also had a brief tour as TV voice of the @cavs in early '90s which I always thought was so cool.
An icon, truly. https://t.co/BphCKWsXOr
Selection Sunday and the NCAA theme music will never be quite the same without Greg. RIP https://t.co/LSH0pCyBQ3
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) December 27, 2024
RIP to a legend. The voice of NFL and March Madness studios for a generation. https://t.co/LVKSQcOKBe
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 27, 2024
So very sad to hear of the passing of my friend and one time colleague Greg Gumbel. He was the ultimate pro. I auditioned for the NBC Olympic job back in the early 90s with Greg as my play-by-play guy…he was so kind and patient and was one of the big reasons why I got the job.… pic.twitter.com/4RzamL583b
— Rowdy Gaines (@RowdyGaines) December 27, 2024
A very sad day for our CBS family – and mine. Greg was the kindest man I've ever known. https://t.co/3PlgKtObQO
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) December 27, 2024
Greg Gumbel was one of my broadcast heroes. When I heard that CBS was broadcasting its first game ever at Butler 14 year ago, eager little college me jumped at the opportunity to cover the game so I could interact with Greg in person and document his experience on the call.…
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) December 28, 2024
Universally beloved.
— John Sadak (@johnsadak) December 28, 2024
Incredibly talented.
An institutional legend, synonymous w/big events.
It was a personal dream come true to hear him introduce our call on Selection Sunday when I called Princeton gms years ago.
Rest in Peace. Hugs & love to his family, friends & soul. https://t.co/mZj9cr1HxV
Greg Gumbel was THE face of the NCAA Tournament. RIP to greatness.
— Dennis Dodd (@dennisdoddcbs) December 27, 2024
Very sad news. Condolences to his family. He brought tremendous credibility and a wonderful spirit when he joined us at ESPN in our early days. I remember the excitement we all had when he arrived in Bristol. The industry and sports fans everywhere have all lost a good friend. https://t.co/mXx3DfAH0M
— Chris LaPlaca (@ex_espn_chris) December 27, 2024
I was fortunate to work with and knew Greg for many years. He was a talented, versatile broadcaster and a pleasure to be around. May he RIP.
— Mike Francesa (@MikeFrancesa) December 27, 2024
Terribly sad news. Greg Gumbel was the face of March Madness to so many of us. https://t.co/OPfTsuiJpr
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) December 27, 2024
I am thankful and grateful for every interaction I had with Greg Gumbel, and I had the good fortune to work with him on many occasions and he could not have been more pleasant and affable and helpful and calming. What a tremendous broadcaster and person. He will be deeply missed
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 27, 2024
Sad news. Praying for the Gumble family. https://t.co/rw4fTwdKw6
— Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) December 27, 2024
This is incredibly sad news. Greg was one of the originals on WFAN. RIP. https://t.co/A2lIGCGJMQ
— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) December 27, 2024
Last March when we were told Greg Gumbel was taking off from @MarchMadnessMBB on @CBSSports I feared it was something serious. According to published reports my worst fears were true. Apparently he’s died at age 78. A sportscasting GIANT. Greg could do it all.🙏💜 pic.twitter.com/JMY2OKzSvr
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) December 27, 2024
Quick Industry story about Greg. Upon my arrival in Bristol I was pulled aside by the new leader of their studio operation. He said, “Tim, you’ll be joining John Saunders (who had gotten there a week before me)you guys will do the 7pm show” he said. You can thank Greg Gumbel…
— Tim Brando (@TimBrando) December 27, 2024
A great broadcaster, from an incredible journalism family. And a role model for me and countless others who watched him move, seemingly effortlessly, from play by play duties to studio host, and to one of the biggest jobs you can have: Selection Sunday and the Tournament. RIP. https://t.co/dyjMdtxPIA
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) December 27, 2024
— Kimberley A. Martin (@ByKimberleyA) December 27, 2024
So sad about this. I was an intern at CBS many years ago. He was so lovely and kind. And wonderfully warm on the air. Huge loss for our sports broadcasting family. https://t.co/4BK7lBz7NZ
— Holly Rowe (@sportsiren) December 27, 2024
💔💔 a legend in the sports broadcasting world has passed. Thank you for the memories, and rest in peace #GregGumbel https://t.co/U04opSB7e2
— Nicole Bowman (@NicoleQBowman) December 27, 2024
When I began my career in local radio in Charlotte having top broadcasters come on a fledgling show was a big deal. Greg became the proverbial “friend of the show” and more importantly was a prince of a human. God Speed. https://t.co/3Zd81bFtVf
— Gary Williams (@Garywilliams1Up) December 28, 2024
ESPN, WFAN, CBS. Did a ton of different sports. Outstanding career. RIP. https://t.co/5vPyMIJFMU
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) December 27, 2024
Greg Gumbel was one of my guiding lights in TV.
— jordan cornette (@jordancornette) December 27, 2024
One of the few I aspired to become.
A legend and icon. RIP.
RIP Greg Gumbel. One of the friendliest guys in the history of a venomous industry. https://t.co/9nseX6TYzV
— Damon Bruce (@DamonBruce) December 27, 2024
Oh no…a legend in our profession! So thoroughly enjoyed his commentary in everything he did. Prayers to his family 🙏🏿 https://t.co/sNzt8iFy9e
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) December 27, 2024
So very sad. Greg was an incredible broadcaster. Fell in love with his work early at ESPN and WFAN. CBS icon. Synonymous with Selection Sunday and March Madness. And a truly beautiful human. https://t.co/lgcAv0UqLY
— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) December 27, 2024
So many great memories of Greg Gumbel across numerous sports over the years. His voice always gave you the kid on Christmas feeling of the NCAA Tournament starting for Selection Sunday. What a legend. Greg will be deeply missed. https://t.co/uEFPfj2yv4
— Robbie Hummel (@RobbieHummel) December 27, 2024
What a loss. If you’re in your 30s/40s GG was such a big part of your sports life
— Dan Lifshatz (@DanLifshatz) December 27, 2024
Thank you for everything Greg. RIP to a legend
Thoughts to all his family right now 😢 https://t.co/o8yuiEGPHw
This is very sad to hear. May Greg Gumbel rest in peace. https://t.co/1QobcyDxYC
— AlaNNa Rizzo (@alannarizzo) December 27, 2024
Greg Gumbel was a sportscasting titan. Countless big events, shows, and games…
— Brett Hollander (@BrettHollander) December 27, 2024
Etched in Baltimore football history for calling some of the greatest moments in team history on the biggest stages.
But probably for me, anchoring selection Sunday and March Madness in studio will… https://t.co/dOAV8Zvsjd
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