Selection Sunday has finally arrived, but the moment no longer feels the same without Greg Gumbel updates. It is the second year that the world will be going into March Madness without Gumbel. For over two decades, he was the face of that built anticipation as he unveiled the tournament brackets.
And let’s not forget, Gumbel was the first African American to call a Super Bowl. The name that was synonymous with March Madness has been away for two seasons now.
What Happened to Greg Gumbel?
CBS Sports announced the passing of Gumbel on Dec. 27, 2024 itself. He passed away at the age of 78. And no doubt his absence has been felt throughout 2024, as he missed March Madness due to personal reasons.
Gumbel was also missing from CBS’s NFL broadcasts after stepping away from that role following the 2022 season. So what was the cause of Gumbel’s passing?
Gumbel passed away after a battle with cancer. After his passing, a statement was issued by his family.
Greg Gumbel has passed away at the age of 78.
Forever a legendary March Madness voice. pic.twitter.com/XXNlIl01rP
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) December 27, 2024
“He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer,” his family said in a statement. “Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity.”
As CBS moves into another season without the iconic voice of Gumbel, basketball fans around the world will miss him. However, Adam Zucker, who stepped in for Gumbel during the 2024 Selection Show will take over the role permanently.
A new chapter is in the making, there is nobody that can bring the presence and gravitas that Gumbel brought to the tournament.
Greg Gumbel’s Journey to Sports Journalism Was an Unconventional One
Gumbel was born in New Orleans in 1946 and grew up in Chicago’s South Side. Here, he joined De La Salle Institute. After this, he joined Loras College, where he did his Bachelor of Arts in English in 1967 while also playing baseball.
Unlike many broadcasters who start young in the industry, Gumbel initially took a different path. He used to work in sales for hospital supplies in Detroit.
It wasn’t until his younger brother, Bryant, informed him of an opening at WMAQ-TV in Chicago and in 1973, he transitioned into broadcasting. He auditioned, landed the job, and spent the next seven years at the station.
KEEP READING: 2025 March Madness Bracket Predictions 3.0: Who’s In, Who’s Out, and the Biggest Surprises
After the stints with MSG, ESPN, and WFAN, Greg Gumbel finally joined CBS as an NFL announcer. Soon, he also started covering college basketball, Major League Baseball, and marquee events like the College World Series.
Gumbel’s versatility has been on display since the time he started hosting The NFL Today alongside Terry Bradshaw. Soon after this, he became the anchor for the 1994 Winter Olympics. The same year, CBS lost its NFL rights, which caused Gumbel to move to NBC.
At NBC, he became the studio host for The NFL and covered the MLB playoffs. However, he returned to CBS in 1998. And continued there until the very end.
With time, Gumbel became a name that echoed in every household. As the lead studio host for over two decades, he became the bridge between fans and the excitement of the tournaments. As the world moves into March Madness chaos, Gumbel is sure to be missed.
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