Remembering Greg Gumbel: A Legendary Voice in Sports Broadcasting

Story my Mitchell Smith

Hello everybody. Today we say goodbye to a TV sportscaster icon. Greg Gumbel was born in 1946 in New Orleans, and sadly lost his battle with cancer Dec 27, 2024. Gumbel who is an iconic figure in the sports world has called numerous sporting events including Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. NASCAR, NFL, Olympics, NCAA, and more. His most famous roll in my eyes is selection Sunday for the NCAA basketball tournament. I’m already shedding tears thinking about him calling teams. I can hear him in my head, “Now let’s go over to the East bracket and see who we have”.

He had one of those voices that just can’t be replaced. Gumbel’s father was a judge and Greg grew up on the Chicago south side with his parents and 3 siblings. Gumbel’s younger brother was broadcasting for KNBC in LA when he tipped Greg off about an open position at WMAQ-tv an NBC affiliate in Chicago. Gumbel who was selling hospital supplies at the time, took his brothers advise and the rest is history. Gumbel was an anchor on SportsCenter, as well as an Olympic anchor, and a New York Yankees announcer.

Over the years Gumbel has worked with so many great announcers and professional athletes turned announcers. Greg leaves behind his wife of over 50 years and their daughter. He is a face, a voice, and personality that with never be replaced and will live on forever. Rest In Peace Mr. Greg Gumbel.