Greg Gumbel, a legendary CBS broadcaster known for his coverage of men’s college basketball and the NFL, has died aged 78.

The sad report was first shared by Emmy-winning producer, Dan Forer, who wrote on Facebook: “The holidays are supposed to be filled with joy, but they are often mixed with sorrow. I just learned that my dear friend Greg Gumbel has passed.

“Greg was the best announcer a young producer/director could have because he was extremely inclusive and never ever lost his cool — except for the time we were shooting a Super Bowl Anti-Drug PSA in the South Bronx at 2am and live gunfire erupted. That was the only occasion Greg raised his voice and had a few choice words for me; which I deserved.

“In addition to being a true professional he was a kind, magnificent man. May his memory be a treasured blessing for his family and friends.”

CBS Sports president David Berson then issued the following statement: “The CBS Sports family is devastated by the passing of Greg Gumbel. There has never been a finer gentleman in all of television. He was beloved and respected by those of us who had the honor to call him a friend and colleague.

“A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time. He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four.

“Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow. It is an extremely sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and the entire sports community. We will miss Greg dearly, and send our deepest condolences to his wife Marcy, daughter Michelle, and his entire family.”

ESPN SportsCenter anchor, Michael Eaves, wrote on X: “A 50-year career in sports broadcasting is a rarity, and Greg Gumbel was a true professional throughout. RIP to a legend.”

Gumbel’s younger brother, Bryant, was working as a television sportscaster for KNBC in Los Angeles, and informed him of a job opening at partnered station in Chicago. This was the springboard for Gumbel’s sports career, and led to him joining CBS Sports part-time in 1988.

What started out as NFL announcing soon turned into a dual role as Gumbel then began working on college basketball as well. Gumbel’s talents were clear to see, and in 1990 he was awarded hosting rights of ‘The NFL Today’ alongside current FOX NFL Sunday star and former NFL player Terry Bradshaw.

Gumbel went on to cover Major League Baseball, NASCAR, the NBA, and even the Winter Olympics, before CBS lost several broadcasting rights to NBC Sports in 1994. After covering Super Bowl XXXII on NBC, Gumbel returned to CBS and spent the remainder of his broadcasting career with the network. His ‘Selection Sunday’ coverage will forever be legendary.

In 2023, Gumbel stepped back from his NFL coverage and focused solely on college basketball, where he acted as the host for March Madness. Gumbel missed the 2024 NCAA men’s basketball tournament due to ‘health reasons’, according to The Athletic.