Sports broadcasting veteran Greg Gumbel has died after a long battle with cancer at the age of 78. A career spanning over 50 years, Gumbel left an indelible mark on the industry. He began his journey in 1981 as an anchor for ESPN’s “SportsCenter” and contributed to the network’s early NBA coverage until 1986.
Gumbel joined CBS Sports in 1998, hosting college basketball games and stepping back from NFL announcing duties last year. His iconic voice will never be forgotten as he became the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship during Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.
The veteran broadcaster also hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games. He was deeply respected by his colleagues, including David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, who described Gumbel as breaking barriers and setting standards for others.
Gumbel’s passing has been met with tributes from across the sports industry. ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said Gumbel brought instant credibility to the network in its early years, while Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports college basketball game and studio analyst, remembered Gumbel as a “good man and partner.”
Gumbel was also recognized for his philanthropic work, including his affiliation with the March of Dimes for three decades. He received several awards for excellence in sports broadcasting, including the 2007 Pat Summerall Award.
At 78, Greg Gumbel’s legacy will be forever remembered as a pioneering figure in sports broadcasting who inspired countless others with his dedication and passion for the sport.
Source: https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/43185502/sports-broadcaster-greg-gumbel-78-dies-cancer