Legendary CBS Sports anchor and commentator Greg Gumbel has died at the age of 78 following a battle with cancer, his wife, Marcy, and daughter, Michelle, announced in a statement shared by CBS News on Friday (December 27).
"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel," the statement reads. "He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.
"He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.
"Greg's memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him."
Gumbel rejoined CBS in 1998 after previously contributing from 1988 to 1994, at which point he moving to NBC Sports. The Louisiana native served as the first African-American play-by-play man to call a major sports championship in the U.S. during his coverage of Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.
Gumbel served many roles during his time with CBS Sports, which included working as both a studio host and play-by-play man, most notably for the NFL and NCAA basketball. CBS Sports extended Gumbel's contract in March 2023, allowing him to continue hosting college basketball coverage, but the legendary broadcaster was absent from March Madness coverage earlier this year due to family health issues.
CBS Sports also issued a statement on Gumbel's passing Friday.
"The CBS Sports family is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel," CBS Sports president and CEO David Berson said. "There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television. He was beloved and respected by those of us who had the honor to call him a friend and colleague.
"A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time. He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four. Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow.
"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."
Gumbel is the brother of fellow television journalist and sportscaster Bryant Gumbel, who previously battled lung cancer in 2009.