Greg Gumbel, a veteran of CBS Sports who spent more than 50 years in sports broadcasting, has died of cancer at the age of 78, his family said Friday.
“He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” his wife, Marcy Gumbel, and daughter, Michelle Gumbel, said in a joint statement released by CBS Sports. “Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace and positivity.
“He leaves behind a legacy of love inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten.”
Gumbel spent the majority of his career with CBS Sports, and he was recognized for his play-by-play and studio work with the NFL and college basketball, among other sports. He also served as an anchor for ESPN’s “SportsCenter” during his time with the network from 1979 to 1988, and he served as a play-by-play announcer and studio host for NBC Sports in the mid-1990s.
In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues. Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998.
Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties.
“Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him,” the statement said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.