Beloved Sports Broadcaster Greg Gumbel Passes Away at 78

MILAN, - CBS Sports anchor and commentator Greg Gumbel has succumbed to cancer, leaving behind a legacy of over 50 extraordinary years in sports broadcasting.

The sportsworld is mourning the loss of Gumbel, who earned his accolades over five decades in remarkable advents like the Super Bowls and Olympic Games. The stalwart broadcaster had joined CBS Sports in 1989 after hosting and play-by-playing for Madison Square Garden Network for the New York Knicks and Yankees, winning a local Emmy.

At 78 years of age, Gumbel took his final leave with family on Friday, leaving behind an iconic voice that will forever be treasured by fans. The CBS Sports family is devastated by his passing, describing him as "a finer gentleman in all of television."

"Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity," said his family in a statement. "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."

Born in 1946, Gumbel was raised as a Chicago native who graduated from Loras College in 1967. His brother, Bryant, is also a well-known broadcaster. Gumbel's remarkable career spanned various networks including CBS Sports, ESPN, WMAQ-TV Chicago, and WFAN Radio.

Gumbel hosted "The NFL Today" for CBS Sports before leaving in the early 1990s, only to return three years later. He also anchored major events like the Super Bowl and Final Four games at CBS Sports. In addition to his on-air work, Gumbel earned a local Emmy Award for his work on Madison Square Garden programs.

David Berson, president & CEO of CBS Sports, described Greg Gumbel as "a tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller." His farewell marked a chapter of profound sadness in the network's ongoing commitment to sports broadcasting.