Terry Bradshaw paid an emotional tribute to former colleague Greg Gumbel during Sunday’s NFL action.
The pioneering broadcaster passed away aged 78 earlier this week after a brave fight against cancer.
GettyGumbel began his career on WMAQ-TV in 1973[/caption]
FOX Sports’ NFL Sunday host Bradshaw fought back the tears as he hailed the man who helped kick-start his career on The NFL Today Show in the early 1990s.
“I can actually say I owe my pregame career to Greg Gumbel,” the 76-year-old said.
“When CBS rebuilt the CBS Today show, they called me and said Greg Gumbel is going to be the host of the show. I’d met Greg, had meetings with him, but never worked with him.
“After working with him at the CBS show that morning, spending four years with him, we became really good friends. Fun guy, loved the Rolling Stones, great sense of humor.
“And he taught me so much about doing this show. And so I missed him for so many years.
“And his tragic departure from this world is something that has touched a lot of lives and it’s certainly touched mine. So rest in peace, Greg Gumbel. I miss you buddy.”
Emmy Award-winning producer Dan Forer revealed Gumbel’s death on Facebook:
“The holidays are supposed to be filled with joy, but they are often mixed with sorrow,” he posted.
“I just learned that my dear friend Greg Gumbel has passed.
“Greg was the best announcer a young producer/director could have because he was extremely inclusive and never ever lost his cool — except for the time we were shooting a Super Bowl Anti-Drug PSA in the South Bronx at 2am and live gunfire erupted.
GettyGumbel and Terry Bradshaw pose with co-stars Lesley Visser and Pat O’Brien in 1990[/caption]
“That was the only occasion Greg raised his voice and had a few choice words for me; which I deserved.
“In addition to being a true professional he was a kind, magnificent man. May his memory be a treasured blessing for his family and friends.”
Gumbel covered MLB, NASCAR, NBA, and the Winter Olympics alongside his main role as an NFL and Super Bowl host.
He is the man who made Selection Sunday on CBS his own and inspired a generation of broadcasters.
“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.
“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 stepped away from covering the NFL in 2023 to focus on college basketball.
His name became synonymous with March Madness and his passing will leave a huge void.
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