The sports world lost a legend on Friday when legendary broadcaster Greg Gumbel died at age 78 after a battle with cancer.

Media members and fans alike paid tribute to the voice that called numerous NFL games – including two Super Bowls from the booth and three as an anchor – and was an integral part of CBS’ March Madness coverage.

ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap called Gumbel a “giant in the industry.”

Schaap’s father, Dick, and Gumbel both worked at ESPN in its first decade, with the latter working as a “SportsCenter” anchor.

“Unwavering. I wrote for him at two Olympics, in Lillehammer and Atlanta. In Lillehammer he hosted the highest rated unscripted show in television history – the second highest, period, surpassed only by the final episode of MASH – and he was never anything but calm, confident and professional. “A gifted and lovable guy,” Schaap wrote on X.

Stan Verrett, a current “SportsCenter” host, penned an emotional farewell to Gumbel.

“Greg Gumbel had the career we dream of in our industry. He was talented, versatile, professional, respected and tenured. Sad to hear of his death and sad that I never met him and could thank him for the inspiration. RIP,” Verrett wrote.

CBS college football reporter Jenny Dell added that Gumbel, the 2007 Pat Summerall Award winner, was “one of the best to ever do it.”

University of Wisconsin Green Bay basketball coach and radio host Doug Gottlieb fondly remembered working with Gumbel at CBS.

“Greg (Gumbel) was very kind to me during my time at CBS Sports and in the years since. He LOVED his family, sports and live music. REST IN PEACE. Cancer sucks,” he wrote.

CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane said Gumbel, who worked at two different stints at CBS, was a “North Star” for many of us.

Gumbel is survived by his wife Marcy and his daughter Michelle.