Legendary Sportscaster Greg Gumbel Dies at 78

Greg Gumbel’s voice provided the soundtrack for some of the biggest moments in sports.

CBS announcer Greg Gumbel prior to the 2021 national championship game. / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Legendary sportscaster and play-by-play man Greg Gumbel has died. He was 78.

Gumbel’s family confirmed the news in a statement on Friday, per CBS News.

A statement from the family of Greg Gumbel pic.twitter.com/oAkSrW8EtJ

— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) December 27, 2024

Gumbel was best known for his work at CBS, where he served as both a panel host and play-by-play man throughout the years. He also spent time in his career with NBC, ESPN, MSG, and WFAN radio in New York City.

Gumbel was a staple of CBS' coverage of March Madness, working as the studio host alongside a rotating cast. He was the voice of Selection Sunday, inviting teams on the bubble into the field of the NCAA tournament.

In 2024, he was absent from coverage of the tournament due to a family health issue, with Ernie Johnson stepping in to help carry some of the load.

CBS also begins the NCAA Tournament coverage with kind words for Greg Gumbel, led by Ernie Johnson. https://t.co/mTEIPURgYw pic.twitter.com/BvlVWAmwZT

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 21, 2024

Tributes for Gumbel poured in from across the sports media world.

So sad to hear about the passing of Greg Gumbel. Whether hosting or calling games Greg did it with passion poise and made it look effortless. One of the best ever RIP pic.twitter.com/PqV2gj4wma

— trey wingo (@wingoz) December 27, 2024

When you think of Selection Sunday you think of Greg Gumbel.

RIP to a 🐐
pic.twitter.com/wlQHymkGSc

— Mark Titus Show (@MarkTitusShow) December 27, 2024

This is absolutely devastating. The Voice of Selection Sunday and so many great games.

Nothing like his annual reveal of the bracket. RIP Greg Gumbel. https://t.co/GyEkVbACqs

— Jake Marsh (@JakeMarsh18) December 27, 2024

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