Just two days after Christmas, the NFL received shocking news. Greg Gumbel, the CBS announcer with more than 50 years of TV career, died at 78. He fought a long battle with cancer but lost in the end. Everyone who worked with him was emotional upon hearing the news. It started with the former team of the NFL legend, Tom Brady.

Having started his TV career in 1981 with ESPN, he later joined CBS and became popular for CBS’ NFL show, ‘The NFL Today.’ However, the Patriots fans remember his legendary voice from the AFC Divisional Playoff victory in 2001 and the Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004. They shared an official treatment to pay tribute to the legendary announcer.

ESPN’s Mike Greenberg also had similar sentiments as he shared an emotional message upon hearing the tragic news about Greg Gumbel. They had met several times during their line of work. So, he was sad and said, “So sad to hear of the passing of the legend Greg Gumbel. A pro’s pro and as friendly and kind as anyone you could ever hope to meet. Sending deepest condolences to his loved ones.”

Over the course of 5 decades, Greg Gumbel hosted the CBS coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics. But his big break came in 1996 when he hosted the Atlanta Olympics. That was when fans started recognizing him. Later, he became a legend in the basketball and football worlds.

Ryan McGee, who learned the basics from Gumbel, also had some choice words while grieving. He said, “Whenever a person has said to me that you have to be cutthroat at all costs to make it to the top of the sports broadcasting world then I know they’d never met Greg Gumbel. What a pro. And a pro who loved his life.” That was the legend’s generosity which touched the hearts of people around him.

An avid baseball player while growing up, Gumbel and his younger brother Graham often practiced in front of the mirror. While Greg announced major games, Bryant went on to win 4 Emmy Awards. But the family is emotional. His wife, Marcy, the most.

Family and friends bid an emotional adieu to Greg Gumbel

CBS Sports’ CEO and president, David Berson, praised the legend in their official statement that read, “A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time.” He also sent his condolences to his wife, Marcy, daughter, Michelle, and other family members.

The family also stated after this death, “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.” They saw him suffer during his battle with cancer this whole year. It must have been daunting to see him go through complex medical procedures.

Marcy and Greg Gumbel were also together for more than 50 years, having married him in 1973. They devoted their lives to sports. Formerly a nurse, she later became his manager and went to major sports shows together. It was a solid family life that gave him the freedom to entertain fans across the globe.

These times are emotional. No one had expected it to happen, but everyone would miss him and thank him for the countless memories he had given to fans.