This year’s men’s March Madness tournament will sound different after the loss of Greg Gumbel, a CBS sports broadcaster, who died from cancer in December 2024 at the age of 78.
Gumbel, a pioneering broadcaster and three-time Emmy winner, made a significant impact during his time at CBS Sports. His coverage of major sports events, including the Olympic Games and Super Bowls, along with his 26-year role as the host of “College Basketball on CBS,” has left a lasting legacy. As the NCAA Tournament approaches, his absence is distinctly felt, especially with CBS set to host the event.
“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,” the Gumbel family said in statement at the time of his death.
Gumbel’s career at CBS was marked by historic achievements. He first joined the network from 1988 to 1994, serving as the host of “NFL Today” and anchoring the network’s coverage of the Winter Olympics in 1992 and 1994.
After a brief hiatus, he returned to the network in 1998 and became the lead play-by-play announcer for the NFL. He made history as the first Black play-by-play announcer to call a major sports championship during Super Bowl 35 in 2000.
Gumbel’s influence extended beyond professional football. His 26-year tenure as the host of the network’s “College Basketball on CBS,” and his role as the voice of the Selection Sunday show that revealed the bracket, were instrumental in shaping the NCAA Tournament experience for fans.
