Greg Gumbel inspired a generation of Black broadcasters and journalists

Never underestimate the value of having a role model.

The news Friday of Greg Gumbel’s death at 78 was shocking and many have paid tribute to a man who became synonymous with CBS Sports.

When you heard his voice for an NFL broadcast, you knew it was a big game. Seeing his face on Selection Sunday for March Madness became an annual rite of passage. Beyond that, Gumbel inspired a generation of broadcasters and journalists, many of whom are Black, many of whom he probably never met.

Many of us, including yours truly, didn’t have a lot of African-American role models in sports media. You weren’t necessarily looking for someone to look up to as a child. You just wanted to watch the games. After a certain point, reality sets in. You weren’t going to be a professional athlete. You considered other ways to stay connected to sports. It dawned on you that you could be one of the people on TV, radio, or print who covers sports for a living.

Maybe you could be the next Greg Gumbel.

Greg Gumbel had the kind of career we dream of in our industry. He was talented, versatile, professional, respected, and tenured. Sad to learn of his passing, and sad that I never met him and got to say thank you for the inspiration. RIP 🙏🏾

— stan verrett (@stanverrett) December 27, 2024

“Greg Gumbel was a role model for me because of his professionalism, versatility, authority, and obvious passion for the sports and athletes that he covered,” ESPN’s Stan Verrett told Awful Announcing via text message. “He always made it look so easy when I knew it wasn’t. The fact that he was also Black, and grew up in New Orleans, just like me, were wonderful coincidences that added to the inspiration I took from him. I’ve been in TV for 31 years…to think that I’ve got 20 more to go to reach his level of longevity is incredible. He was a credit to our industry. His presence will be missed.”

Gumbel reached the top of his profession, achieving one of the most coveted jobs in the industry. It is laudable to get there regardless of race, creed, or color. However, to do so as a Black man is particularly noteworthy. When aspiring media members see his ascension, it’s proof of what is possible—that they, too, could have rewarding jobs in sports journalism.

The importance of role models and mentor figures becomes clearer as we age. A positive role model is a factor in a successful and fulfilling career. Blacks have fewer media members to look up to. According to the Pew Center For Research, only 6% of journalists are Black. Gumbel stood out because he was a rarity. Also, because he was exceptional.

He was so smooth, so prepared, that he made broadcasting look easy. Anyone who has spent time in front of a camera knows that creating high-quality television is not as simple as it appears. It takes hard work, long hours, and fastidious dedication.

When Gumbel announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS in 2001, he became the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship. He covered the Olympics, MLB, the NBA, and NASCAR. He also worked at ESPN, MSG, and WFAN over his 50-year career.

When you heard Greg Gumbel’s voice, you knew it was a big event. RIP to a true role model for guys my age who grew up dreaming of careers in sports journalism.

— Cedric Golden (@CedGolden) December 27, 2024

Austin American-Statesman columnist Cedric Golden grew up in East Texas in the 1970s. Most of the faces he saw on sports broadcasts were white men—Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford, and Brent Musberger. Seeing Gumbel left a profound impact.

“Greg caught my attention because he was so understated,” Golden told AA via text. “His smooth delivery of play-by-play during NFL games was a comfort because he didn’t get in the way of the action yet figured out a way to quietly keep the viewer engaged. I was so proud to see him become the first Black man to call a Super Bowl in 2001.

“Seeing him do his job so well gave me a quiet assurance early in my academic career that if I put in the work one day I could work in sports journalism. For that, I am forever grateful.”

A great broadcaster, from an incredible journalism family. And a role model for me and countless others who watched him move, seemingly effortlessly, from play by play duties to studio host, and to one of the biggest jobs you can have: Selection Sunday and the Tournament. RIP. https://t.co/dyjMdtxPIA

— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) December 27, 2024

While Gumbel’s death from cancer was a surprise, his absence from this year’s CBS’ March Madness Show over what was described as a family health matter was noticed. His absence leaves an unfillable hole in our sports-watching experience.

However, his legacy as a generational inspiration lives on.