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

His family, including his wife Marcy and daughter Michelle, shared the news in a statement to CBS Sports. They expressed their deep sorrow, noting that Greg died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones after a brave battle with cancer. “He faced his illness with the same stoicism, grace, and positivity that he displayed throughout his life,” they mentioned.

The family added, “He leaves behind a rich legacy filled with love and inspiration from over 50 remarkable years in the sports broadcasting arena, and his distinctive voice will endure in our memories. Greg will always be cherished by his family, closest friends, colleagues, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”

Gumbel’s career at CBS Sports began in 1989, where he excelled as both an NFL play-by-play announcer and a college basketball in-studio host, notably covering the NCAA Tournament. Earlier this year, CBS announced he would not be part of the men’s NCAA Tournament coverage due to “family health issues.”

Born on May 3, 1946, in New Orleans and raised in Chicago, Gumbel was inspired to move to broadcasting by his brother, sportscaster Bryant Gumbel, who informed him about an opening for a sportscaster in Chicago. Greg transitioned from a job in medical sales, later working with WMAQ-TV in Chicago, Madison Square Garden Network, ESPN, and WFAN radio before joining CBS Sports in October 1989.

At CBS Sports, Gumbel quickly found his niche, co-hosting “The NFL Today” with Terry Bradshaw from 1990 to 1993 and anchoring the network’s coverage of the 1994 Olympic Winter Games. He also co-anchored CBS Sports’ morning broadcasts during the 1992 Olympic Winter Games and hosted various events, including the Daytona International Speedway coverage in 1999, while also providing play-by-play commentary for the College World Series, Major League Baseball, and college basketball.

In December 2017, Gumbel commented on his diverse work, saying, “I enjoy the variety. I like not being confined to the studio and rather being on-site at games, but March Madness holds a special place in my heart… It can be hectic, yet I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything.”

Gumbel had a brief stint with NBC Sports from 1994 to 1998 before coming back to CBS Sports as the studio host for the network’s March Madness. He also worked as a play-by-play announcer and hosted NFL coverage. In 2022, CBS Sports honored Gumbel for his 50 years in broadcasting, and in March 2023, he was given a contract extension that allowed him to continue covering March Madness as he stepped back from NFL responsibilities.

David Berson, CBS Sports president and CEO, expressed his condolences, saying, “The CBS Sports family is heartbroken by the loss of Greg Gumbel. He was truly a remarkable gentleman in the world of television, and those of us fortunate enough to call him a friend will always remember him with respect and admiration.”

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