“The holidays are meant to be full of joy, but they are often mixed with sadness,” Forer wrote in a Facebook post announcing Gumbel’s death. “I just learned that my dear friend Greg Gumbel has passed away. 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 an anti-drug Super Bowl at 2 a.m. in the South Bronx and there was some live shooting came. That was the only occasion where Greg raised his voice and had a few choice words for me; what I deserved.

“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.”

Gumbel began his career at ESPN in 1979, serving as a reporter and anchor while also doing play-by-play. He then spent a year at MSG He covered the New York Yankees in 1988 before joining CBS as a college basketball play-by-play broadcaster in 1989. He added The NFL today in 1990.

Gumbel covered several notable events throughout his career, including the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics. He also served as NBC’s second-largest play-by-play broadcaster for MLB and NBA games, calling the College World Series for CBS from 1990-94 and 2000-02. Gumbel also hosted Super Bowl XXXV and XXXVIII for CBS before switching roles Jim Nantz.

Gumbel was a fixture on CBS Selection’s Sunday broadcasts as host, announcing each team and its respective seeding. Ernie Johnson took his seat in 2024.