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Sports world mourns passing of legendary broadcaster Greg Gumbel

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby:Grant Grubbs•12/27/24•

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© Kyle Terada | Imagn Images

On Friday, Greg Gumbel, who served as an NFL broadcaster and March Madness host for CBS, died after a battle with cancer. He was 78 years old.

In mere moments after Gumbel’s family announced his death, support from around the world poured in, honoring the legendary broadcaster. With over 50 years in the business under his belt, Gumbel impacted endless players, coaches and reporters throughout his career.

On Friday, countless people shared how Gumbel positively impacted their lives.

“He knew that life is short and laughter is vital,” college basketball insider Seth 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.”

Davis wasn’t alone in his affection for Gumbel.

“Greg Gumbel was a tremendous professional and an even better person,” longtime ESPN sportscaster Chris Berman wrote. “I was honored to share many SportsCenters with him back in the 80s, where I learned just by watching him. He had the trust of every viewer and the admiration of all of his peers.”

Davis’ and Berman’s kind words were just a few of thousands that flooded the internet following Gumbel’s passing. Here are a few others that left people drying their eyes on social media:

More on Greg Gumbel’s accomplished life and career

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.