History of Greg Gumbel in Timeline

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Greg Gumbel

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: Greg Gumbel joins NBC

After CBS lost NFL and MLB contracts, Greg Gumbel joined NBC in 1994 and hosted the MLB All-Star Game.

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".

1996: Gumbel hosts Summer Olympics

Greg Gumbel hosted NBC's daytime coverage of the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

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.

Mentioned in this timeline

Pepsi
Basketball
James Brown
CBS
College basketball
NBC
Super Bowl

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