Greg Gumbel, a renowned American sports commentator, passed away from cancer at the age of 78, his family announced on Friday. A longtime CBS Sports employee, Gumbel was considered an icon in US sports, particularly in football and basketball.
He made history in 2001 by becoming the first black sports commentator to give play-by-play announcements of the Super Bowl. His iconic voice will be remembered as a testament to his legacy of love, inspiration, and dedication to 50 years in the industry.
Born in New Orleans, Gumbel began his broadcasting career in the early 1970s and worked at various networks before joining CBS Sports in 1989. He also hosted several notable shows, including “NFL Today” and “NFL on NBC,” and anchored major sporting events like the Olympics and NCAA basketball tournaments.
Gumbel’s impact on sports broadcasting was celebrated by his colleagues, including Jim Nantz and Lesley Visser, who referred to him as “broadcasting royalty.” He will be deeply missed for his selfless approach to his craft and his dedication to inspiring others.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg90rx41v8o