'Legend': Tributes pour in after sports broadcaster Greg Gumbel dies at 78

Tributes and expressions of sadness flowed through social media on Friday evening over news that legendary sports broadcaster Greg Gumbel died at 78.

Gumbel’s death was confirmed by his family in a statement, who said, “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel."

"He passed away peacefully surrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer. Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity. He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten," according to CBS News.

Grief over Gumbel – who celebrated his 50^th year in the broadcasting business in 2022 – was also felt by his longtime viewers, including professional athletes and sports fans across generations, who took to social media to offer their tributes.

“Forever a legendary March Madness voice,” the official NCAA March Madness X account posted Friday above a smiling black and white picture of Gumbel.

“RIP to one of the best to ever do it,” another X user, Off The Top Media, wrote.

“Just so insane man…rest in peace Greg Gumbel. Made this moment 10x more special,” former NFL player Jacoby Jones posted on X above a clip featuring a football play he once made.

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Born in New Orleans on May 3, 1946, Gumbel grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967, according to CBS News.

The sports journalist worked for CBS Sports from October 1989 through May 1994, before moving on to NBC Sports where he worked as a host and play-by-play announcer, CBS reported. Gumbel then returned to CBS Sports in 1998 as host and play-by-play announcer for college basketball and the NFL on CBS.

CBS Sports praised Gumbel in a statement, saying he “led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.”

“Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow,” the station added.

"Damn," journalist Sam Stein wrote to his social media followers. "F---ing legend."