Greg Gumbel, an icon on this planet of sports activities broadcasting, has died. The New Orleans-born character was 78, and handed away on December 27, 2024 following a battle with most cancers. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” the household introduced to CBS Sports in a social media assertion the identical day. “He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer.”
They added that, “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.”
As the world learns of Gumbel’s demise, listed below are 5 issues to know concerning the late, nice, Greg Gumbel.
He Sold Hospital Supplies
Before Gumbel hit it large, he began out promoting hospital provides in Detroit. Per Wikipedia, in 1973, on the age of 27, he found a possibility to audition for a sports activities announcer at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. He was a pure, and took the job, relocating to Chicago to take action. Greg labored on the NBC-owned for seven years, getting a strong footing within the enterprise that will catapult him to household-name standing.
He’s Part of a Family Legacy
Greg’s success got here alongside that of his brother, Bryant Gumbel. In reality, per Wikipedia, it was Bryant who initially informed Greg concerning the alternative to audition for WMAQ-TV. Greg himself went on to announce for CBS and NBC. According to The New York Times, Greg’s profession gained traction many years in the past within the Eighties, when he grew to become a recognizable face masking the NBA. By 1988, he was additionally masking the NFL — and the remainder is historical past. Brother Bryant is finest identified for working as co-host of NBC’s ubiquitous Today for 15 years, a stint that led to 1997.
Greg’s legacy was lauded by president and CEO of CBS Sports David Berson within the aftermath of his demise. “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time,” Berson stated in an announcement, per NPR.
He Covered Major Events
Greg Gumbel was additionally identified for his protection of among the most iconic sports activities occasions in America. Per Us Weekly, in his 5 many years as an announcer, he coated three Super Bowls, grew to become a recognizable voice within the CBS protection of March Madness, and was the primetime anchor for CBS Sports’ 1994 Winter Olympic Games protection.
According to NPR, in March of 2024, for the primary time since 1997, Greg missed his protection of the NCAA match. At the time, he acknowledged that it was as a consequence of household well being points.
He Was a Father
Greg married Marcy Kaszynski in 1973–coincidentally, the yr he landed his first gig as an announcer in Chicago. They subsequently welcomed one daughter, Michelle, per Bleacher Report.
He Had a Degree in English
Though Greg would finally make his identify in sports activities, he initially obtained his diploma in English. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967. That can be the primary of many accolades in a high-profile profession spanning 5 many years. Per NPR, he went on to obtain the Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports activities broadcasting, and garnered a number of native Emmy awards through the years.