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 unhappiness 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 trade; and his iconic voice won’t ever be forgotten. Greg’s reminiscence will endlessly be treasured by his household, dearest pals, colleagues and all who beloved him.”
Because the world learns of Gumbel’s dying, listed below are 5 issues to know in regards to the late, nice, Greg Gumbel.
He Offered Hospital Provides
Earlier than Gumbel hit it massive, 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 might 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 instructed Greg in regards to the alternative to audition for WMAQ-TV. Greg himself went on to announce for CBS and NBC. In keeping with The New York Occasions, Greg’s profession gained traction many years in the past within the Eighties, when he turned a recognizable face protecting the NBA. By 1988, he was additionally protecting the NFL — and the remaining is historical past. Brother Bryant is greatest recognized 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 dying. “An amazing broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the crucial exceptional and groundbreaking sports activities broadcasting careers of all time,” Berson mentioned in a press release, per NPR.
He Coated Main Occasions
Greg Gumbel was additionally recognized for his protection of a number of the most iconic sports activities occasions in America. Per Us Weekly, in his 5 many years as an announcer, he coated 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 event. On the time, he acknowledged that it was because 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 Diploma in English
Although Greg would in the end 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 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 over time.
