Greg Gumbel, Beloved CBS Sports Anchor, Passes Away at 78 After Brave Battle with Cancer

Adored CBS sports anchor Greg Gumbel has passed away at the age of 78 following a cancer diagnosis.

His family shared in a statement that Gumbel “passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity,” according to his daughters, Marcy and Michelle Gumbel.

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

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

Emmy-winning producer Dan Forer also confirmed Gumbel’s death in a heartfelt Facebook post, recalling his dear friend’s professional and personal qualities.

“The holidays are supposed to be filled with joy, but they are often mixed with sorrow. I just learned that my dear friend Greg Gumbel has passed,” Forer wrote.

He also shared a memorable incident: “Greg was the best announcer a young producer/director could have because he was extremely inclusive and never ever lost his cool — except for the time we were shooting a Super Bowl Anti-Drug PSA in the South Bronx at 2am and live gunfire erupted.”

Gumbel, the first African American to call a major sports championship when he covered the 2001 Super Bowl, was also a key figure in March Madness, hosting the NCAA Tournament for CBS. His long career spanned work with MSG, ESPN, and WFAN, including calling New York Knicks and Yankees games and covering several Olympic Games. Gumbel last called an NFL game in 2022. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans.