Legendary CBS Sports Broadcaster Greg Gumbel Has Tragically Passed Away
CBS announcer Greg Gumbel (Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Greg Gumbel, the legendary CBS Sports commentator who called two Super Bowls for the network, has passed away at the age of 78.
Greg Gumbel’s wife Marcy and daughter Michelle announced in a statement shared by CBS that he passed away following “a courageous battle with cancer.” Marcy and Michelle wrote that Gumbel was “surrounded by much love” when he passed:
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.
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.
Greg’s memory will forever be treasured by his family, dearest friends, colleagues and all who loved him. — Marcy & Michelle Gumbel.”
After the 2022 NFL season, it was reported that Gumbel had signed a new deal with CBS Sports. Gumbel continued to work on the network’s college basketball coverage and moved on from NFL play-by-play voice duties.
Fans noticed that Greg Gumbel was absent from CBS’ coverage of 2024 March Madness, and it was reported soon after that had to miss it because of health issues.
Gumbel made history in Super Bowl 35 between the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants when he became the first African-American announcer to call a Super Bowl game. Gumbel also called Super Bowl 38 between the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers.
Gumbel’s first stint at CBS Sports began in 1988 and ran through 1994, before moving to NBC later in the latter year. After CBS regained its NFL broadcast rights, he returned to the network and spent the remainder of his broadcasting career there.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Greg Gumbel’s family and loved ones during his difficult time.
There Won’t Be Another Greg Gumbel
Gumbel was one of those announcers that just flourished in whichever sport he was assigned to, be it football, basketball or baseball (he did MLB play-by-play commentary work for NBC and CBS).
His iconic voice and tremendous enthusiasm added more to some of the greatest moments he called, including the two Super Bowls, the Ravens-Steelers 2010 Divisional Round and the Mile High Miracle between Baltimore and the Denver Broncos.
Son Of Former NFL Star QB Announces He’s Entering Transfer Portal For The 2nd Time This Month In Shocking Move
Cole Pennington, the son of former Miami Dolphins and New York Jets star quarterback Chad Pennington, has decided to again enter the transfer portal in an unexpected move.
The 6-foot-3 Cole Pennington joined the Marshall Thundering Herd in 2022, redshirting in his first year. In limited action over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Pennington has thrown for 752 yards, one touchdown and six interceptions.
Just eight days ago, Pennington announced on X/Twitter that he was committed to the South Dakota Coyotes’ program. The team is coached by Bob Neilson, who finished 11-3 in 2024.
But shortly after noon on Friday, Cole Pennington announced that he’s back in the transfer portal because of “unforeseen circumstances.” The details behind the development aren’t clear at this time.
Braylon Braxton was Marshall’s main starting quarterback during the 2024 season, throwing for 1,624 yards and 19 touchdowns against two interceptions to go along with 610 rushing yards and four rushing scores. Braxton has also entered the transfer portal.
Chad Pennington is now the head coach of the Sayre School football team (in Lexington, Kentucky) that Cole attended. Chad played for the Jets from 2000 to 2007 before spending his final three seasons (2008 to 2010) in Miami.
Cole Pennington Looks To Follow Father’s Footsteps
The elder Pennington was drafted 18th overall by the New York Jets in 2000 following five years at Marshall. Pennington had success as QB for both the Jets and Dolphins, earning Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2006 (with New York) and Miami (2008).
New York reached the postseason three times with Chad, who also led Miami to a surprise AFC East division crown in 2008.
If Cole Pennington can land in the right system, he’ll improve his production and hopefully follow Chad’s footsteps into the NFL.
