Greg Gumbel, longtime CBS Sports broadcaster, dies at 78

Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS Sports broadcaster, has died of cancer, his family said Friday. He was 78.

Gumbel, a play-by-play announcer and studio host who previously worked for NBC Sports, “passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” his family said in a statement released by CBS Sports.

The statement was signed by his wife, Michelle, and daughter, Marcy.

“Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace and positivity,” the statement says. “He leaves behind “a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry.”

Gumbel, the older brother of former “TODAY” co-host Bryant Gumbel, began working at CBS Sports in 1989. He left in 1994 to work at NBC Sports before returning to CBS in 1998.

He called two Super Bowls and hosted the NCAA “March Madness” tournament for years.

In 2022, Gumbel celebrated his 50th year of broadcasting, CBS Sports reported.

David Berson, the network’s president and CEO, recalled him as a “tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller” who “led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.”

“Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow,” he said. “It is an extremely sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and the entire sports community. We will miss Greg dearly, and send our deepest condolences to his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle, and his entire family.”