Greg Gumbel, an icon on the planet of sports activities broadcasting, has died. The New Orleans-born persona was 78, and handed away on December 27, 2024 following a battle with most cancers. “It’s with profound disappointment that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” the household introduced to CBS Sports activities in a social media assertion the identical day. “He handed away peacefully surrounded by a lot love after a brave battle with most cancers.”
They added that, “He leaves behind a legacy of affection, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years within the sports activities broadcast business; and his iconic voice won’t ever be forgotten. Greg’s reminiscence will ceaselessly be treasured by his household, dearest pals, colleagues and all who liked him.”
Because the world learns of Gumbel’s loss of life, listed below are 5 issues to know concerning the late, nice, Greg Gumbel.
He Offered Hospital Provides
Earlier than Gumbel hit it large, he began out promoting hospital provides in Detroit. Per Wikipedia, in 1973, on the age of 27, he found a chance 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 may catapult him to household-name standing.
He’s A part of a Household Legacy
Greg’s success got here alongside that of his brother, Bryant Gumbel. In actual fact, per Wikipedia, it was Bryant who initially advised Greg concerning the alternative to audition for WMAQ-TV. Greg himself went on to announce for CBS and NBC. In keeping with The New York Instances, Greg’s profession gained traction a long time in the past within the Nineteen Eighties, when he turned 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 At the moment for 15 years, a stint that led to 1997.
Greg’s legacy was lauded by president and CEO of CBS Sports activities David Berson within the aftermath of his loss of life. “An amazing broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led probably the most exceptional and groundbreaking sports activities broadcasting careers of all time,” Berson stated in a press release, per NPR.
He Coated Main Occasions
Greg Gumbel was additionally identified for his protection of among the most iconic sports activities occasions in America. Per Us Weekly, in his 5 a long time as an announcer, he lined three Tremendous Bowls, turned a recognizable voice within the CBS protection of March Insanity, and was the primetime anchor for CBS Sports activities’ 1994 Winter Olympic Video games protection.
In keeping with NPR, in March of 2024, for the primary time since 1997, Greg missed his protection of the NCAA match. On the time, he said that it was resulting from household well being points.
He Was a Father
Greg married Marcy Kaszynski in 1973–coincidentally, the 12 months he landed his first gig as an announcer in Chicago. They subsequently welcomed one daughter, Michelle, per Bleacher Report.
He Had a Diploma in English
Although Greg would finally make his title in sports activities, he initially acquired his diploma in English. He graduated from Loras Faculty in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967. That might be the primary of many accolades in a high-profile profession spanning 5 a long time. 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.
