Renowned CBS Sports broadcaster Greg Gumbel has passed away at the age of 78.

“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our dear husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” said his wife Marcy and daughter Michelle in a statement to CBS Sports, where Gumbel dedicated many years of his career. “He passed away peacefully, enveloped in love, after bravely battling cancer. Greg faced his illness with the strength, dignity, and positivity that defined his character.”

The Gumbel family added: “He leaves a remarkable legacy of love and commitment that spans over 50 incredible years in sports broadcasting; his distinct voice will always be remembered. Greg’s legacy will be cherished by his family, close friends, colleagues, and all those who held him dear.”

Greg began his journey with CBS Sports in 1989, serving as both an NFL play-by-play announcer and a host for college basketball, including the NCAA Tournament. Earlier this year, CBS announced that he would not be part of the 2024 men’s NCAA Tournament coverage due to “family health issues.”

Born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans and raised in Chicago, Gumbel was the older brother of sportscaster Bryant Gumbel. He transitioned from a medical sales career to broadcasting after his brother informed him about an opening for a sportscaster in Chicago. Before joining CBS Sports in October 1989, he worked for WMAQ-TV in Chicago, Madison Square Garden Network, ESPN, and WFAN radio.

Gumbel quickly became a prominent face at CBS Sports, hosting “The NFL Today” with Terry Bradshaw from 1990 to 1993, including Super Bowl 26 in 1992. He was also the primetime anchor for CBS’s coverage of the 1994 Winter Olympics and co-hosted the weekday morning broadcasts for the 1992 Olympics. In addition to hosting, he provided play-by-play commentary for events such as the College World Series, Major League Baseball, and college basketball.

“I enjoy the variety of my work,” Gumbel remarked in December 2017. “I appreciate that I’m not always in the studio or at games, but March Madness is particularly special… It’s busy, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.”

He worked with NBC Sports from 1994 to 1998 before returning to CBS Sports, where he again became the studio host for the March Madness coverage. He also provided play-by-play commentary for the NFL. In 2022, CBS Sports honored Gumbel for his 50 years in broadcasting and extended his contract in March 2023, allowing him to continue with March Madness while stepping back from NFL responsibilities.

“The CBS Sports family is heartbroken by Greg Gumbel’s passing,” stated David Berson, president & CEO of CBS Sports. “He was truly one of the finest gentlemen in television. We loved and respected him, and he was a friend and colleague we will deeply miss.”

In 2000, Gumbel made history as the first Black play-by-play announcer to cover a major U.S. championship sporting event when he announced the Baltimore Ravens’ victory over the New York Giants in Super Bowl 35. He received the Pat Summerall Award for broadcasting excellence in 2007.