Greg Gumbel was a highly respected American sportscaster who had a very long and illustrious career. He was the first African American announcer to call play-by-play for a Super Bowl (Super Bowl XXXV in 2001). Unfortunately, Greg Gumbel recently passed away at the age of 78 after battling cancer. His contributions to sports broadcasting and his impact as a pioneer will be missed.
He covered various sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, college basketball, and the Olympics, and he worked for major networks such as CBS, NBC, and ESPN. In his decades of experience as a sports broadcaster announcing NFL and NCAA games for CBS, the sportscaster combined play-by-play excitement with accuracy.
Quick Links
Greg Gumbel Funeral
Greg Gumbel, a longtime CBS sports broadcaster who overcame many problems during his career to report on some of the biggest sporting events, has died of cancer, according to a statement from his family released by the news network on Friday.
Please note: Funeral Details are not available at this time. We update this information once Family members or close associates may share details on social media platforms.
Greg Gumbel Net Worth
American Sports commentator Greg Gumbel‘s Net Worth is around $18 million as of 2024. The primary source of Greg Gumbel’s wealth was his long and successful career as a television sportscaster. He was a famous figure in sports broadcasting, best known for his work with CBS Sports, where he covered major events such as the NFL and NCAA basketball.
| Name | Greg Gumbel |
| Net Worth (2024) | $18 Million |
| Profession | Sports commentator |
| Monthly Income | $180,000 + |
| Yearly Income | $2 Million + |
| Last Updated | 2024 |
Biography
Greg Gumbel (May 3, 1946 – December 27, 2024) was a popular American television sports presenter, noted for his versatile career and significant contributions to the sports broadcasting industry. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967. His younger brother, Bryant Gumbel, also rose to fame in broadcasting as the host of NBC’s “Today” show and “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” on HBO.
| Name | Greg Gumbel |
| Date of Birth | May 3, 1946 |
| Place | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| Death | December 27, 2024 (aged 78) |
| Education | Loras College (BA) |
| Occupation | Sportscaster |
| Years Active | 1973–2024 |
| Spouse | Marcy Kaszynski (m. 1973) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Bryant Gumbel (brother) |
Career
Gumbel’s career began in the 1970s and he steadily rose, working at various networks, including ESPN and NBC, and then landing a long-term position at CBS. He broke barriers by becoming the first African American announcer to call play-by-play for a major sports championship in the United States, a historic moment at Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.
Greg Gumbel was known for his smooth speech, in-depth commentary, and professionalism, Gumbel earned a reputation as one of the most respected figures in sports broadcasting.
Early Career: Gumbel began his broadcasting career in local radio and television in Chicago in the 1970s.
ESPN (1979-1981): He joined ESPN early in its history, covering a variety of sports.
NBC Sports (1981-1994): This was a major period in his career. At NBC, he became a prominent figure, covering:
- NFL Football (including play-by-play and studio hosting)
- Major League Baseball (including play-by-play)
- College Basketball
- The Olympics (various Summer and Winter Games)
CBS Sports (1994-1997): Gumbel moved to CBS, taking on similar high-profile roles:
- NFL Football (primary play-by-play announcer)
- College Basketball (lead play-by-play announcer)
NBC Sports (1998-2006): He returned to NBC, where he continued to be a key broadcaster:
- NFL Football (studio host of Football Night in America)
- The NBA (lead play-by-play announcer)
- The Olympics
CBS Sports (2006-Present): Gumbel returned to CBS for a third stint, where he has primarily focused on:
- College Basketball (studio host)
- NFL Football (studio host for pregame and halftime shows)
