All through the historical past of sports activities journalism, there are a lot of individuals who may be known as game-changers, and Greg Gumbel deserves to be included in that class. As a broadcaster, Gumbel entertained viewers together with his affable persona and huge information of athletics. He additionally paved the best way for fellow African American broadcasters. Sadly, it was reported late this previous week that Gumbel died on the age of 78. Now, a number of notable names throughout the sports activities world, together with Magic Johnson and Jemele Hill, are paying tribute.
Information of Greg Gumbel’s demise was reported this previous Friday, as his spouse, Marcy, and their daughter, Michele, launched an announcement that was shared with CBS Sports activities. They confirmed that Mr. Gumbel “handed away peacefully surrounded by a lot love after a brave battle with most cancers.” In addition they conveyed within the message that the late sports activities journalist “leaves behind a legacy of affection, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years within the sports activities broadcast trade; and his iconic voice won’t ever be forgotten.”
The brother of fellow sports activities journalist Bryant Gumbel, Greg was a lot beloved throughout the sports activities media panorama – not simply by followers however by his friends as nicely. As talked about, Magic Johnson paid tribute after studying of the CBS icon’s passing. The previous Los Angeles Laker took to X, the place he penned a candy tribute in his former colleague’s honor:
I’m saddened to listen to in regards to the passing of longtime and legendary broadcaster and good friend Greg Gumbel. Greg was an African-American pioneer. He spent over 50 years in sports activities broadcasting – as one of many first studio hosts and within the broadcast sales space for the NFL, March Insanity, and extra. Cookie and I are praying for his spouse Marcy, daughter Michelle, brother Bryant, and the whole Gumbel household throughout this tough time. 🙏🏾
Greg Gumbel’s profession started within the early ‘70s, when he landed a job as a sports activities announcer for a TV station in Chicago. In time, he’d additionally maintain down broadcasting and radio jobs at ESPN, WFAN radio and MSG. Afterward, he’d additionally work as a play-by-play analyst for NBC. Nevertheless, Gumbel would actually make a reputation for himself at CBS, the place he’d function an announcer for NFL video games and finally, an in-studio pundit for the NCAA basketball match. Throughout his tenure on the Eye Community, he even turned the primary African American to conduct play-by-play evaluation for a serious championship recreation because of his protection of Tremendous Bowl XXXV in 2001.
Evidently, the Louisiana native impressed lots of people, together with former ESPN persona Jemele Hill. She shared her personal remembrances of the media trailblazer on X, saying:
I solely met Greg a pair instances in passing. However he undoubtedly had probably the greatest reputations in our enterprise — beloved, consummate skilled and somebody you needed to listen to in huge moments. Only a really spectacular profession. My ideas are together with his household, buddies and colleagues.
Ernie Johnson, who’s identified for his emotional addresses, additionally honored Greg Gumbel. The longtime Contained in the NBA host truly labored alongside Gumbel through the NCAA broadcasts for years. With that, Johnson shared these heat sentiments on X:
The information that Greg Gumbel has handed is simply heartbreaking. Was an honor to share the March Insanity desk with him. A professional’s professional and a gentleman of the best order. 🤟🏻🤟🤟🏾🤟🏽
Placing it merely, the NBA on NBC alum greater than made his mark on the trade. He additionally made a critical impression on these he crossed paths with. Take a look at some extra tributes down beneath:
- It was 1998. CBS simply received the NFL again, & employed a fresh-faced 28 yr previous from ESPN to do pregame options. She was nervous. Did she belong? Greg Gumbel was the type, heat, welcoming voice that instilled in her the assumption that she did. You’ll be missed, Legend. #RIP 🙏 – Bonnie Bernstein
- Greg Gumbel was an iconic voice—fiercely good, heat, reliable. He was additionally my good friend. Greg wasn’t simply humorous—he was REALLY humorous. I’ll miss him. – Phil Simms
- 51 NFL video games with Greg Gumbel. I’ll miss his tales and his heat. He welcomes me with open arms and people round him realized a lot by watching function as a broadcaster and a human. Love you Greg and I’ll miss you. 🩶 – Jamie Erdahl
- Relaxation in Peace to the Legend Greg Gumbel. He honored me with this image on the Sports activities Emmys after graciously spending 20 minutes giving me recommendation and encouragement on navigating the printed trade. – Robert Griffin III
It’s considerably odd realizing that Greg Gumbel is not with us, and he shall be really missed. What’s comforting, although, is that his legacy will certainly stand the check of time. We right here at CinemaBlend prolong our condolences to the Gumbel household in addition to Greg’s buddies and different family members throughout this time.