CBS studio crew honors Greg Gumbel with Rolling Stones shirts for Selection Sunday

March Madness just won’t be the same this year without Greg Gumbel. The legendary sportscaster died on Dec. 27, this past year. However, his former colleagues are carrying on his memory.

On Sunday, CBS Sports’ Seth Davis posted a picture of the CBS studio crew wearing Rolling Stones shirts in honor of Gumbel, who loved the British rock band. Fans across the country will undoubtedly be remembering Gumbel today as they watch CBS’ Selection Sunday to find out what fate awaits their beloved college basketball teams.

This isn’t the first time Davis has honored Gumbel. After Gumbel’s death in December, Davis released a heartfelt farewell message, remembering his longtime friend.

“He knew that life is short and laughter is vital,” Davis wrote about Gumbel. “He figured that if you showed up, tried your best and treated people well, then nothing else mattered. He was a unique talent, a treasured friend and the kindest man I have ever known.”

Start us up! Our CBS studio crew are all wearing Rolling Stones shirts today in honor of Greg Gumbel who loved the Stones. Very much feeling his presence today! pic.twitter.com/ljiUhUTb5q

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) March 16, 2025

Greg Gumbel initially joined CBS in 1988 as a part-time announcer and later hosted The NFL Today from 1990-93. He then left the network to join NBC in 1994 after CBS lost the rights to the NFL and MLB, but returned in 1998 following Super Bowl XXXII. That’s when he became the host for the NCAA Tournament, anchoring March Madness coverage.

Gumbel remained in that role as March Madness host while also serving as a play-by-play broadcaster for NFL games. He missed the 2024 NCAA Tournament due to family health issues, meaning the 2023 tournament marked his final March Madness on the desk.

Gumbel began his career in Chicago at WMAQ-TV in 1973 before joining ESPN in 1979 as a reporter and anchor while also doing play-by-play. He then spent a year with MSG covering the New York Yankees in 1988 before latching on at CBS as a college basketball play-by-play broadcaster in 1989. He added The NFL Today in 1990.

Gumbel covered multiple notable events during his career, including the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics. He also served as the No. 2 play-by-play broadcaster for MLB and NBA games at NBC, and he called the College World Series for CBS from 1990-94 and 2000-02. Gumbel also called Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII for CBS before swapping roles with Jim Nantz.

Gumbel was a staple of CBS’ Selection Sunday shows as the host, announcing each team with its respective seed in the bracket. Ernie Johnson took his seat in 2024.

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this report.