40 Facts About Greg Gumbel

Early Life and Family Background

Greg Gumbel's journey into sports broadcasting began with a rich family history and early influences that shaped his career.

1. Birth and Early Life: Greg Gumbel was born on May 3, 1946, in New York City. Growing up in a family that valued education and the arts, he was set on a path that would later influence his career choices.

2. Family Background: Gumbel is the older brother of news and sportscaster Bryant Gumbel. Their shared passion for sports and journalism often led to discussions that fueled their professional pursuits.

Career Beginnings

Greg's initial steps into broadcasting were marked by diverse roles and opportunities that set the stage for his future success.

3. Early Career: Before becoming a sportscaster, Gumbel worked in various roles, including selling hospital supplies in Detroit. However, his true calling was in broadcasting.

4. First Job in Broadcasting: In 1973, Gumbel's brother Bryant informed him about an audition opportunity at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. Despite being in Detroit at the time, Gumbel secured the job and moved to Chicago, where he worked for seven years.

5. ESPN and MSG Network: Gumbel's early career also included stints at ESPN and the MSG Network. At ESPN, he anchored various shows, while at MSG, he provided play-by-play commentary for the New York Yankees.

Major Career Milestones

Greg Gumbel's career is filled with significant milestones that highlight his versatility and expertise in sports broadcasting.

6. College Basketball Coverage: In 1989, Gumbel began announcing college basketball games for CBS. This role would become a significant part of his career, as he continued to host NCAA men's basketball tournaments for decades.

7. The NFL Today: From 1990 to 1993, Gumbel hosted "The NFL Today" alongside Terry Bradshaw. He returned to this role in 2004, hosting alongside Jim Nantz.

8. Major League Baseball Coverage: Gumbel also anchored CBS' coverage of Major League Baseball, including the 1993 American League Championship Series. He provided play-by-play commentary alongside Jim Kaat.

9. Winter Olympics Hosting: In 1992, Gumbel co-hosted the weekday morning broadcasts of the Winter Olympics from Albertville, France. In 1994, he served as the prime-time host for the Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.

10. World Figure Skating Championships: In 1995, Gumbel hosted the World Figure Skating Championships, showcasing his versatility in covering various sports events.

11. NBA Coverage: Gumbel provided play-by-play commentary for the NBA alongside Quinn Buckner. His work in the NBA was part of his broader portfolio that included multiple sports.

Return to CBS and Continued Success

Greg Gumbel's return to CBS marked a period of continued success and new opportunities.

12. Return to CBS: After leaving NBC in 1998, Gumbel returned to CBS. His first major assignment was to serve as the studio host for CBS' coverage of college basketball, a role he continued until his passing.

13. Lead Play-by-Play Announcer: From 1998 to 2003, Gumbel was the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports' NFL coverage. During this period, he called Super Bowls XXXV and XXXVIII.

14. Super Bowl Hosting: Gumbel was the first network broadcaster to both call play-by-play and host the Super Bowl. He hosted Super Bowl XXVI in Minneapolis, Super Bowl XXX in Tempe, and Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego.

Awards and Recognitions

Greg Gumbel's excellence in sports broadcasting earned him numerous awards and recognitions.

15. Emmy Awards: Throughout his career, Gumbel won multiple local Emmy Awards for his outstanding work in sports broadcasting. He was also a three-time Emmy Award winner.

16. Pat Summerall Award: In 2007, Gumbel received the prestigious Pat Summerall Award for his outstanding contributions to sports broadcasting.

March Madness and Community Involvement

Gumbel's role in March Madness and his community involvement highlight his dedication both on and off the screen.

17. March Madness Hosting: Gumbel has been the CBS host of March Madness since 1998. During the height of the tournament, he spent hours in the studio with colleagues like Clark Kellogg, Seth Davis, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, providing exciting highlights and coverage.

18. Community Involvement: Gumbel was deeply involved in various community organizations. He served on the March of Dimes National Board of Trustees for 12 years and as a Special Advisor to the President of the March of Dimes for an additional 13 years.

19. St Jude’s Children’s Hospital: Gumbel was honored to be a member of the St Jude’s Children’s Hospital Sports Council. His commitment to charitable causes was a hallmark of his career.

20. Loras College Board of Regents: After completing his maximum 10-year term as a member of the Board of Regents at his alma mater, Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, Gumbel was unanimously elected to Regent Emeritus status by the Board.

Public Speaking and Legacy

Greg Gumbel's influence extended beyond broadcasting through his public speaking and lasting legacy.

21. Public Speaking: Drawing from his nearly 40 years in the business, Gumbel offered an entertaining and motivational presentation filled with personal stories, anecdotes, and insights into the world of sports. His talks included a short video clip.

22. Legacy in Sports Broadcasting: Gumbel's legacy in sports broadcasting is immense. He became the first African-American announcer to call play-by-play of a major sports championship in the United States when he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS in 2001.

23. Impact on CBS Sports: Gumbel's impact on CBS Sports was significant. He played a crucial role in shaping the network's coverage of various sports, including football and basketball. His work helped establish CBS as a major player in the sports broadcasting industry.

24. Collaborations with Colleagues: Throughout his career, Gumbel collaborated with numerous colleagues, including Terry Bradshaw, Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Clark Kellogg, Seth Davis, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and many others. These collaborations often resulted in memorable broadcasts and a cohesive team effort.

NFL and College Basketball Coverage

Greg Gumbel's extensive coverage of NFL and college basketball games solidified his reputation as a versatile sportscaster.

25. NFL Coverage: Gumbel's NFL coverage spanned multiple decades. He worked as a studio host for "The NFL Today," provided play-by-play commentary, and was part of various broadcast teams. His work included calling games for Super Bowls XXXV and XXXVIII.

26. College Basketball Coverage: Gumbel's role in college basketball was equally significant. He hosted the NCAA men's basketball tournament and provided play-by-play commentary for various college basketball games. His enthusiasm and knowledge made him a beloved figure among college basketball fans.

Motorsports and Olympic Coverage

Gumbel's versatility extended to motorsports and Olympic coverage, showcasing his ability to handle diverse sports events.

27. Daytona 500 Coverage: In 1999, Gumbel anchored CBS' coverage of the Daytona 500 and Pepsi 400. This marked another milestone in his extensive coverage of motorsports events.

28. Olympic Coverage: Gumbel's Olympic coverage included hosting the Winter Olympics in both prime-time and weekday morning slots. His ability to adapt to different formats and events showcased his versatility as a broadcaster.

29. World Figure Skating Championships Hosting: In 1995, Gumbel hosted the World Figure Skating Championships. This event further demonstrated his ability to handle a wide range of sports coverage.

NBA and MLB Coverage

Greg Gumbel's work in the NBA and MLB added to his extensive portfolio in sports broadcasting.

30. NBA on NBC: During his time at NBC, Gumbel provided play-by-play commentary for the NBA alongside Quinn Buckner. This role added to his extensive portfolio in covering various professional sports leagues.

31. MLB on NBC: Gumbel also worked as a play-by-play announcer for Major League Baseball on NBC. His work included calling games during the network's four-year run broadcasting the national pastime.

Community Service and Personal Challenges

Gumbel's commitment to community service and his ability to navigate personal challenges highlight his character and dedication.

32. Community Service: Beyond his professional achievements, Gumbel was committed to community service. He served on various boards and councils, including the March of Dimes National Board of Trustees and the St Jude’s Children’s Hospital Sports Council.

33. Awards and Honors: Gumbel received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. The Pat Summerall Award in 2007 was a significant recognition of his contributions to sports broadcasting.

34. Family Health Issues: In 2024, Gumbel was absent from March Madness coverage due to family health issues. This personal challenge highlighted the importance of family in his life despite his demanding career schedule.

Contract Extensions and Career Timeline

Greg Gumbel's career timeline and contract extensions reflect his enduring influence and commitment to sports broadcasting.

35. Contract Extension: In March 2023, CBS Sports extended its contract with Gumbel, allowing him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL coverage. This extension marked a new chapter in his career, focusing more on college basketball.

36. Career Timeline: Gumbel's career timeline is extensive and varied. He worked at ESPN from 1979 to 1988, anchored shows at MSG Network in the late 1980s, and provided play-by-play commentary for various sports leagues throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

Impact on Future Generations

Greg Gumbel's legacy continues to inspire future generations of sportscasters and broadcasters.

37. Impact on Future Generations: Gumbel's impact on future generations of sportscasters cannot be overstated. His legacy serves as an inspiration to aspiring broadcasters, demonstrating the importance of hard work, dedication, and a passion for storytelling.

38. Personal Stories and Anecdotes: Gumbel's presentations often included personal stories and anecdotes. These stories provided a glimpse into his life and career, making his talks both entertaining and motivational.

39. Motivational Speaker: As a motivational speaker, Gumbel drew from his nearly 40 years in the business to offer insights into the world of sports. His talks were designed to inspire and educate, making him a sought-after speaker in the industry.

40. Legacy and Impact: Greg Gumbel's legacy in sports broadcasting is profound. He left an indelible mark on the industry, paving the way for future generations of sportscasters. His impact extends beyond his professional achievements, as he inspired countless individuals through his work and community service.

Greg Gumbel's Lasting Legacy

Greg Gumbel's career in sports broadcasting is nothing short of legendary. From his early days at WMAQ-TV in Chicago to becoming the first African-American announcer to call play-by-play for a major sports championship, Gumbel broke barriers and set high standards. His work with CBS, NBC, and ESPN showcased his versatility, covering everything from the NFL to the Olympics. Beyond the screen, Gumbel's commitment to community service, like his involvement with the March of Dimes and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, highlighted his dedication to giving back. His numerous awards, including multiple Emmys and the Pat Summerall Award, reflect his excellence and impact. Greg Gumbel's legacy isn't just in the games he covered but in the inspiration he provided to future generations of sportscasters. His voice and contributions will be remembered for years to come.