Longtime sportscaster and announcer Greg Gumbel has died at the age of 78

Greg Gumbel, who broadcast the NFL on CBS and served as the network’s studio host for “March Madness,” has died at 78.

Emmy-winning producer Dan Forer announced Gumbel’s death in a Facebook post.

“The holidays are supposed to be full of joy, but often they are also mixed with sadness. I just learned that my dear friend Greg Gumbel has passed away,” he wrote via the New York Post.

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CBS announcer Greg Gumbel before the 2021 NCAA Tournament national championship between the Gonzaga Bulldogs and the Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Kyle Terada/USA Today Sports)

“Greg was the best announcer a young producer/director could have because he was extremely inclusive and never lost his temper – except when we were filming a Super Bowl anti-drug PSA at 2 a.m. in the South Bronx and it was too spicy shots came. That was the only occasion when Greg raised his voice and had a few choice words for me;

“He was not only a true professional, but also a kind, great man. May his memory be a precious blessing to his family and friends.”

CBS commentator Greg Gumbel before a game between the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. (Rob Kinnan/USA Today Sports)

Gumbel missed last year’s tournament for “family health reasons.”

Gumbel called the 2001 Super Bowl, becoming the first African American to call a major sports championship. He was the older brother of longtime “Real Sports” host Bryant Gumbel.

Before breaking out with CBS, Greg worked for MSG, ESPN and WFAN in New York, as well as hosting New York Knicks and Yankees games and hosting “SportsCenter.”

He has also hosted several Olympic Games and most recently hosted an NFL game in 2022.

CBS commentators Greg Gumbel and Bill Raftery before a game between the Duke Blue Devils and the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. (Rob Kinnan/USA Today Sports)

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Gumbel’s voice was the one fans heard when the March Madness series was announced.

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