Gregory Gumbel, popularly known as Greg Gumbel, was a well-known American TV sportscaster who worked with CBS Sports, covering NFL and NCAA basketball. In 2001, he made history as the first African-American announcer to call a major U.S. sports championship. Gumbel was a host for CBS’s men’s college basketball and broadcast NFL games until 2023.
| Full Name | Gregory Gumbel |
| Date of Birth | May 3, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | New Orleans, Louisiana, USA |
| Date of Death | December 27, 2024 |
| Spouse | Marcella “Marcy” Kaszynski |
| Children | Michelle Gumbel |
Early Life
Greg Gumbel was born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans and raised in Chicago. He graduated from Loras College in 1967 with a degree in English, initially aspiring to become a teacher.
However, inspired by his brother Bryant’s career in broadcasting, Gumbel shifted his focus to sports journalism, beginning his journey at a local NBC station in Chicago in the early 1970s, where he covered high school basketball.
Career Highlights
Gumbel’s illustrious career in sports broadcasting spanned over five decades. He joined CBS Sports in 1989 and made history as the first Black announcer to call play-by-play for a major sports championship during Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.
Throughout his tenure at CBS, he hosted “The NFL Today” and covered a wide range of events, including the Winter Olympics, Major League Baseball, and NCAA basketball.
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After significant stints at NBC, he returned to CBS in 1998 and continued to be a prominent figure until 2022. In March 2023, Gumbel signed a contract extension with CBS to focus on college basketball while stepping back from NFL play-by-play duties.
Personal Life
Greg Gumbel was married to Marcella “Marcy” Kaszynski since 1973, and together they had one daughter, Michelle Gumbel. The family resided in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area. Gumbel was known as a loving husband and father, and his family emphasized his legacy of love and inspiration.
Death
Greg Gumbel passed away on December 27, 2024, at the age of 78 after a brave battle with cancer. His family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement, noting that he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
Gumbel faced his illness with remarkable strength and dignity. His wife Marcy and daughter Michelle expressed their deep sorrow over their loss, while CBS Sports mourned the passing of a beloved figure whose impact on the industry will be fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
Legacy
Greg Gumbel’s legacy is marked by several significant contributions to sports broadcasting:
- Trailblazer: Gumbel became the first African-American announcer to call play-by-play for a major sports championship in the U.S. during Super Bowl XXXV in 2001, breaking racial barriers in the industry.
- Extensive Career: He had a remarkable career spanning over 50 years, during which he worked for CBS Sports and NBC, covering major events like the Super Bowl, NCAA basketball tournaments, and the Olympics.
- Influential Host: Gumbel hosted CBS’s “The NFL Today” and served as a lead play-by-play announcer for NFL games, significantly impacting how sports were presented on television.
- Awards and Recognition: Throughout his career, he received numerous accolades, including local Emmy Awards and the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.
- Beloved Figure: Known for his kindness and storytelling ability, Gumbel was respected by colleagues and fans alike, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration.
