The sports broadcasting world has lost one of its most respected and indelible figures.
Longtime CBS Sports anchor and play-by-play announcer Greg Gumbel has died at the age of 78, with his wife and daughter confirming the news Friday.
“He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” Marcy and Michelle Gumbel said in a statement. “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. Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him.”
The older brother of Bryant Gumbel, Gumbel was a beloved figure over the course of his 52-year broadcasting career, someone whose mere on-screen presence was associated with some of the biggest events in sports.
He became synonymous with the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, particularly its selection show, and had a lengthy run as an NFL play-by-play broadcaster. In 2001, he became the first Black man to do play-by-play for a major American sports championship when he called Super Bowl 35.
As news of Gumbel’s death spread, outpourings of emotion and support flooded social media, with many fondly recalling his career and the impact it had on them.
Here’s a sampling of the social media reaction to Gumbel’s passing: