STUDIO SPORTS ANALYST Terry Bradshaw (left) joined Greg Gumbel as CBS’s “The NFL Today” co-host in September 1990. (Photo credit: CBS Photography)
Greg Gumbel, a pioneering sports broadcaster whose career spanned more than five decades, passed away on December 27, 2024, at his home in Davie, Florida. He was 78. Gumbel, a Chicago native, died following a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind an indelible legacy as a trailblazer in sports broadcasting and a beloved figure in the Black community.
Born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Gregory Girard Gumbel was the eldest child of Rhea Alice (LeCesne) and Richard Gumbel Jr., a Cook County judge. When Greg was a young child, the Gumbel family relocated to the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago, where he and his younger brother, Bryant Gumbel, grew up. The brothers shared a love of baseball—Greg was a devoted White Sox fan, while Bryant rooted for the Cubs.
Greg attended De La Salle Institute, a Catholic high school in Chicago, and later graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967 with a degree in English. At Loras, Greg played baseball as a right fielder and honed his ability to remain calm under pressure, a skill that would later define his broadcasting career.
Before entering the world of sports media, Gumbel worked as a hospital supplies salesman, a job he humorously described as “selling bedpans.” His path changed dramatically in 1972 when his brother Bryant, then a sportscaster at KNBC-TV in Los Angeles, informed him about a weekend sportscaster opening at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. Encouraged by Bryant, Greg auditioned and secured the role, beginning his television career in his hometown. Despite having no prior experience in broadcasting, Gumbel quickly adapted, showcasing his natural charisma and professionalism.
Greg Gumbel’s career was marked by several historic achievements, most notably as the first Black broadcaster to call play-by-play for a major U.S. sports championship, the 2001 Super Bowl. This milestone was significant in an industry that has historically underrepresented Black voices, particularly in high-profile roles. By the time of Gumbel’s Super Bowl broadcasts, only one African American, Lowell Perry, had broken similar ground as the first Black broadcaster of an NFL game in 1966. Despite progress, the lack of representation remained stark; by 2019, there still had not been an African American analyst in the Super Bowl broadcast booth, and Gumbel’s contributions stood as an enduring example of breaking barriers.
Gumbel’s early career included stints at ESPN, where he anchored “SportsCenter” and provided play-by-play commentary for NBA games. He also worked with the Madison Square Garden Network, covering the New York Knicks and Yankees. In 1989, he joined CBS Sports, embarking on a partnership that would define much of his career.
At CBS, Gumbel became a familiar face to millions of viewers as the host of “The NFL Today” and the anchor for the network’s March Madness coverage. Over 25 years, his calm demeanor and insightful analysis became synonymous with the excitement of college basketball’s biggest tournament. Gumbel’s versatility was also on display as he covered the Winter Olympics in 1992 and 1994 and hosted the network’s NFL pregame shows.
His role as a trailblazer extended to the broader context of African Americans in sports broadcasting. Since Jackie Robinson’s historic 1965 debut as the first African American to broadcast baseball nationally, there had been incremental progress in diversifying the industry. Figures such as Tom Hawkins, the first Black broadcaster of the NCAA Final Four in 1971, and Bill Russell, who broke ground during the NBA Finals in 1972, paved the way for others. Gumbel’s achievements not only added to this legacy but also highlighted the persistent gaps in representation, especially in roles like play-by-play commentary.
Gumbel’s excellence in broadcasting was recognized with numerous accolades, including three local Emmy Awards and the prestigious Pat Summerall Award in 2007. His work was celebrated not only for its quality but also for its integrity. Known for his understated style, Gumbel avoided sensationalism, instead focusing on delivering the facts with grace and precision.

Chicago remained a central part of Greg Gumbel’s identity throughout his life. His formative years in Hyde Park and his early career at WMAQ-TV shaped his approach to storytelling and his commitment to excellence. He often credited his upbringing in Chicago for instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance.
Gumbel’s contributions to his hometown extended beyond broadcasting. He was actively involved in community initiatives, including a long-standing affiliation with the March of Dimes and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. These efforts reflected his belief in using his platform to make a positive impact.
Greg Gumbel married Marcy Kaszynski in 1976, and together they raised their daughter, Michelle. Known for his humility and warmth, Gumbel cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather. Despite his fame, he remained deeply grounded, treating everyone he encountered with respect and kindness.
Tributes poured in following Gumbel’s passing, with colleagues and fans alike honoring his contributions to sports media and his legacy as a trailblazer. Jim Nantz, a longtime colleague at CBS, described him as “dependable, trustworthy, and unflappable,” while Clark Kellogg praised his “professionalism and wisdom.”
Greg Gumbel’s life and career serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation. For the Black community, his success in breaking barriers and achieving excellence in a competitive industry stands as a source of pride and inspiration.
As we remember Greg Gumbel, we celebrate not only his achievements in sports broadcasting but also his enduring legacy as a role model, a pioneer, and a Chicago icon.