Legendary sportscaster Greg Gumbel dies at age 78

The sports community mourns the death of the legendary broadcaster Greg Gamble. He was 78 years old.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gamble,” his family said in an online statement. CBS Sports On Friday, December 27th. “He passed away peacefully surrounded by so much love after a courageous battle with cancer.”

According to the wife. MarcyAnd his daughter, MichelleGreg “approached his illness as one would expect, with stoicism, grace and positivity.”

Greg has spent more than five decades covering sports. He joined CBS Sports in 1989 after years of hosting and play-by-play duties New York Knicks Basketball and New York Yankees Baseball for Madison Square Garden Network.

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During his career, he had the opportunity to host NFL Today He was able to cover three Super Bowls. It also became a staple part of the network's March Madness coverage.

“I wanted to model myself after (fellow CBS play-by-play) Pat Summerall“Greg once said Sports Illustrated In 2022. “He didn't exaggerate. He's been underrated. He was specific in what he said. And it was wonderful. But how can you not be great when you play Giants-Cowboys, Bears-Packers, Rams-49ers, Eagles-Giants?”

One major career breakthrough came when Greg was asked to be a prime-time anchor for CBS Sports' coverage of the 1994 Winter Olympics.

“There has never been a better gentleman in all of television,” CBS Sports said. statement On December 27. … This is a very sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and for the entire sports community.

CBS Sports praised Gregg as having one of the “most remarkable and pioneering sports careers of all time.” They also called him a “phenomenal broadcaster and gifted storyteller.”

“He was a familiar and welcoming voice to fans in many sports, including the NFL, March Madness, and most notably the Super Bowl and Final Four,” the statement continued. “Greg broke down barriers and set the standard for others to follow.”

As sports fans continue to mourn Greg's loss, his closest family will remember his “distinctive voice” on game day as well as the love he showed for life beyond any field.

“He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcasting industry; his distinctive voice will never be forgotten,” his family's statement read. “Greg's memory will forever be treasured by his family, dear friends, teammates and all who loved him.”