Greg Gumbel, a longtime sportscaster who called the NFL for CBS for decades and served as the studio’s host during the NCAA Tournament, has reportedly died, Emmy-winning producer Dan Forer wrote on Facebook on Friday.
Gumbel was 78 years old.
No cause of death was revealed.
“The holidays are supposed to be filled with joy, but they are often mixed with sorrow,” Forer wrote. “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.”
Gumbel missed last year’s NCAA Tournament due to “family health issues,” The Athletic reported at the time.