If you’ve ever flipped between morning news shows and major sporting events, you’ve likely seen the work of the Gumbel brothers. Bryant Gumbel and Greg Gumbel are two of the most recognizable faces in television history, each carving out a legendary career in their respective fields. For decades, they have been a part of the American media landscape, delivering the news that starts our days and calling the big games that define our weekends. Their shared last name often leads to a common question: Are they related? The answer is a resounding yes. Bryant and Greg Gumbel are brothers, a fact that adds a rich layer of family legacy to their individual accomplishments.
While they chose different paths on television, their roots are deeply shared. They were born into a family that valued hard work and education, principles that would guide them to the top of the highly competitive broadcasting industry. Their journey from their childhood home to the national spotlight is a story of talent, perseverance, and the unique bond of brotherhood. Though Greg’s recent passing in late 2024 left a void in the world of sports journalism, the story of the Gumbel brothers and their impact on television remains a powerful testament to their shared and individual greatness.
A Shared Beginning and Individual Journeys
Greg and Bryant Gumbel were born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Rhea Alice, a city clerk, and Richard Dunbar Gumbel, a judge. Greg, the older brother, was born on May 3, 1946, while Bryant followed on September 29, 1948. When the boys were young, the family moved to the South Side of Chicago, where they were raised and where they both attended and graduated from De La Salle Institute. It was there that their love for sports began to blossom, with Greg becoming a devoted White Sox fan and Bryant rooting for the Cubs.
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Their educational paths diverged in college, a foreshadowing of their different professional styles. Greg graduated with a degree in English from Loras College in Iowa, where he also played baseball as a right fielder. Bryant, on the other hand, attended Bates College, graduating in 1970 with a degree in Russian history. Before finding his calling in broadcasting, Greg worked in a very different field, selling hospital supplies—a job he later humorously referred to as “selling bedpans.”
It was Bryant who helped give Greg his big break. In 1972, Bryant, who was already working as a sportscaster at KNBC in Los Angeles, informed Greg about a weekend sportscaster opening at WMAQ-TV in Chicago. Greg auditioned for the role and got the job, launching a broadcasting career that would span more than five decades.
Two Legends, One Last Name
In the world of television, the Gumbel brothers became giants in their respective domains. Bryant became a household name as the co-host of NBC’s “Today” show for 15 years, starting in 1982. He later hosted “The Early Show” on CBS and, for nearly three decades, the acclaimed HBO sports journalism program “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.” His work on “Real Sports” was widely praised and earned multiple Peabody Awards, cementing his reputation for serious, investigative storytelling through the lens of sports.
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Greg, meanwhile, became a foundational voice in sports broadcasting, best known for his long tenure with CBS Sports. He was the familiar host of “The NFL Today” and the steady anchor for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament for 25 years, making him the voice of March Madness for millions of viewers. Greg made history in 2001 when he became the first African-American announcer to call the play-by-play for a Super Bowl, a landmark achievement in the industry. His calm, dependable presence made him a beloved figure, with colleagues describing him as “broadcasting royalty” and a “role model and a pioneer.”
Tragically, Greg Gumbel passed away on December 27, 2024, at his home in Davie, Florida, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 78 years old. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from across the sports and media world, honoring his legacy as a trailblazer and a gentleman. While his voice is now silent, the incredible body of work he leaves behind, together with the distinguished career of his brother Bryant Gumbel, ensures that the Gumbel name will forever be synonymous with excellence, integrity, and a profound contribution to American television.
