Path to Broadcasting

Greg Gumbel began his broadcasting career with the help of his brother Bryant, who informed him about an audition at WMAQ-TV, a Chicago-based television station. At the time, Greg was working in Detroit, selling hospital supplies. He landed the role and worked at WMAQ-TV for over seven years.

Before gaining national prominence with CBS, Gumbel held broadcasting roles with multiple outlets, including WFAN radio, ESPN, and Madison Square Garden (MSG). During his time at MSG, he hosted the pregame and postgame shows for New York Yankees broadcasts. Simultaneously, he hosted a morning radio show on WFAN, further establishing himself as a versatile sports broadcaster.

Career Highlights at CBS

Greg Gumbel is best known for his long-standing association with CBS, where he has covered marquee events such as NCAA basketball and the National Football League. He made history by becoming the first African American play-by-play announcer to call a major U.S. sports championship when he called Super Bowl XXXV on CBS in 2001.

In addition to Super Bowl XXXV, Gumbel served as either host or play-by-play announcer for multiple Super Bowls, including XXVI, XXX, XXXII, and XXXVII. His ability to transition between host and announcer roles distinguished him as one of the most versatile talents in sports broadcasting. He was the third person in CBS history to serve both roles for the Super Bowl, followed by Jim Nantz.