Greg Gumbel: the voice that called the shots, now silenced by cancer at 78

Greg Gumbel wasn’t just a sportscaster—he was the sportscaster. From the NFL to the Olympics, his voice was as synonymous with American sports as touchdowns and slam dunks. Gumbel made history in 2001 when he became the first Black announcer to call play-by-play of a major sports championship at Super Bowl XXXV. His boundary-pushing work didn’t stop there—whether it was hosting CBS’s NFL Today or covering March Madness, Gumbel was a trailblazer. He didn't just tell stories—he created them, transforming how fans connected with the games they loved. He was more than a fixture of television; he was an institution. Gumbel’s career wasn’t a sprint—it was a marathon. With over 50 years in the business, his dedication to the craft was unwavering. His journey took him from local Emmy-winning broadcasts to covering four Winter Olympics and hosting the NFL’s most iconic games. In 1998, Gumbel returned to CBS after a brief stint at NBC, cementing his place as a linchpin for the network’s sports coverage. Known for his gravitas and smooth delivery, Gumbel’s commitment to excellence made him a household name. When he left the NFL booth in 2022, it wasn’t just the end of an era—it was the closing of a chapter that defined sports broadcasting for generations. It’s hard to talk about Greg without mentioning his brother, Bryant Gumbel. While Bryant was a news anchor at NBC, Greg was blazing his own trail in sports broadcasting, but the Gumbel brothers shared more than just DNA. They both stood as paragons of professional excellence and trailblazers in their respective fields. Greg, however, was also much more than just a sports personality—he was a family man, committed to causes like the March of Dimes and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. The sports world has lost a titan, but his family and his charitable contributions ensure his influence will be felt for generations. For Greg Gumbel, broadcasting wasn’t just about calling plays—it was about connecting with people. Whether he was behind the mic for a Super Bowl or on camera for the NCAA Tournament, his priority was always the audience. Clark Kellogg, his long-time CBS colleague, said it best: “Greg wasn’t just a great broadcaster; he was a good man.” Gumbel’s legacy goes beyond his groundbreaking role in sports media. It’s about how he made everyone feel like they were a part of the action, even if they were miles away from the field. His impact was personal, touching the lives of fans and colleagues alike. Away from the microphone, Gumbel was a man of action. His advocacy for the March of Dimes and St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital speaks volumes about his character. For three decades, he was actively involved with the March of Dimes, showing that his compassion went far beyond sports. Gumbel's generosity of spirit and commitment to bettering the lives of others made him as respected off the field as he was on it. His legacy as a broadcaster is clear, but it’s his deep care for people that will be remembered most fondly.