Greg Gumbel’s loved ones and fans are sharing their condolences after his family announced the longtime CBS Sports broadcaster had died at 78.
Gumbel, who previously worked for NBC Sports and was the older brother of former TODAY co-host Bryant Gumbel, “passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” his wife, Marcy, and daughter, Michelle, said in a statement.
In light of the news, sports announcer Jim Nantz said he will deeply miss his colleague, whom he called “broadcasting royalty.”
“He was as selfless a broadcaster as anyone in the industry has ever known,” Nantz said. “Our careers intersected for nearly 35 years, and he was the consummate teammate and friend.
“I have so much love and respect for him, and I’m going to miss him dearly,” he added.
David Berson, the president & CEO of CBS Sports, said the network is “devastated” by the news.
“There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television,” he said in a statement. “He was beloved and respected by those of us who had the honor to call him a friend and colleague.”
“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,” he added. “We will miss Greg dearly, and send our deepest condolences to his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle, and his entire family.”
On X, Magic Johnson shared kind words as well, calling Gumbel an “African-American pioneer” who had a remarkable career in the sports industry.
“He spent over 50 years in sports broadcasting — as one of the first studio hosts and in the broadcast booth for the NFL, March Madness, and more. Cookie and I are praying for his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle, brother Bryant, and the entire Gumbel family during this difficult time,” he said.
Clark Kellogg, college basketball analyst at CBS, talked about Gumbel’s personality and said he was “richly blessed by Greg’s friendship, goodness, humor, partnership, professionalism and wisdom.”
“He was excellent in his work and exemplary in his caring and character. Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him in my life,” he said.
