Greg Gumbel is a prominent American television sportscaster known for his work with CBS Sports. Notably, he was the first African-American to provide play-by-play commentary for a major US sports championship, specifically Super Bowl XXXV in 2001. Until 2023, he served as a studio host for CBS's men's college basketball coverage and as a play-by-play announcer for NFL games on the same network.
May 3, 1946: Greg Gumbel is born
Greg Gumbel was born on May 3, 1946.
1973: Greg Gumbel starts at WMAQ-TV
In 1973, Greg Gumbel began working as a sports announcer for WMAQ-TV in Chicago, after leaving his job selling hospital supplies.
1988: Greg Gumbel starts at CBS
Greg Gumbel started working part-time as an NFL announcer for CBS in 1988.
1989: Greg Gumbel adds college basketball to his repertoire
Greg Gumbel began announcing college basketball for CBS in 1989, in addition to his NFL duties.
1989: Greg Gumbel's career at MSG and WFAN
In 1989, Greg Gumbel worked at MSG and WFAN, hosting pre- and post-game shows for New York Yankees broadcasts and a radio morning show.
1990: Greg Gumbel hosts "The NFL Today"
From 1990 to 1993, Greg Gumbel hosted "The NFL Today" on CBS.
1992: Gumbel co-anchors Winter Olympics
Greg Gumbel co-anchored weekday morning broadcasts for the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France.
1993: Gumbel covers MLB and College World Series
In 1993, Greg Gumbel provided play-by-play commentary for Major League Baseball, including the American League Championship Series, and the College World Series.
1993: Greg Gumbel finishes hosting "The NFL Today"
In 1993, Greg Gumbel's stint as the host of "The NFL Today" ended.
1994: Gumbel anchors Winter Olympics
Greg Gumbel served as the prime time anchor for the 1994 Winter Olympic Games from Lillehammer, Norway.
1995: Greg Gumbel's roles at NBC
In 1995, Greg Gumbel provided play-by-play for MLB playoff games, hosted the World Championships of Figure Skating, and served as studio host for "The NFL on NBC".
1998: Gumbel returns to CBS for NFL coverage
In 1998, Greg Gumbel returned to CBS as the lead NFL announcer.
1999: Gumbel covers motorsports for CBS
In 1999, Greg Gumbel anchored CBS' coverage of the Daytona 500 and Pepsi 400.
1999: Gumbel boycotts NASCAR banquet
In 1999, Greg Gumbel refused to attend a NASCAR banquet honoring Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas due to political disagreements.
2001: Greg Gumbel makes history at Super Bowl XXXV
In 2001, Greg Gumbel became the first African-American announcer to call play-by-play of a major sports championship in the United States, Super Bowl XXXV.
2003: End of Gumbel's first stint as lead NFL announcer
Greg Gumbel's first stint as lead NFL announcer on CBS ended in 2003.
2004: Gumbel returns to "The NFL Today"
Greg Gumbel returned as host of "The NFL Today" in 2004, swapping roles with Jim Nantz.
2005: Gumbel replaced as "The NFL Today" host
In 2005, James Brown replaced Greg Gumbel as studio host of "The NFL Today".
2013: Dierdorf retires, impacting Gumbel's commentary team
Dan Dierdorf, Greg Gumbel's color commentator, retired after the 2013-2014 NFL season.
2014: Gumbel partners with Green and Arians
Greg Gumbel worked with Trent Green from 2014 onwards, and in 2018, they were joined by Bruce Arians to form a three-man booth.
2018: Gumbel, Green, and Arians commentate together
During the 2018 NFL season, Greg Gumbel worked in a three-man booth with Trent Green and Bruce Arians.
2019: End of Gumbel and Green's commentary partnership
Greg Gumbel and Trent Green's partnership as #3 commentary team ended in 2019.
2020: Gumbel partners with Gannon and later Archuleta
In 2020, Greg Gumbel partnered with Rich Gannon, and then with Adam Archuleta in 2021.
March 15, 2023: CBS extends Gumbel's contract
On March 15, 2023, CBS Sports extended Greg Gumbel's contract, allowing him to continue hosting college basketball and step back from NFL coverage.
2023: Greg Gumbel steps back from NFL coverage
In 2023, Greg Gumbel stepped back from NFL play-by-play coverage but continued to host college basketball for CBS.
December 27, 2024: Greg Gumbel passes away
Greg Gumbel passed away on December 27, 2024.
2024: Gumbel absent from March Madness
In 2024, Greg Gumbel was absent from March Madness coverage due to family health issues.