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Terry Bradshaw Saddened By Death Of Legendary Sports Announcer

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Dec 29, 2024 4:08 PM ET

Terry Bradshaw and the NFL community honored Greg Gumbel on Sunday.

Gumbel, the longtime CBS Sports announcer, passed away at age 78 after a battle with cancer. He hosted The NFL Today alongside Bradshaw from 1990 to 1993 and later returned from NBC to resume his spot on CBS' Sunday studio show.

Bradshaw paid tribute to his former colleague on FOX NFL Sunday.

"I actually can say that I owe my pre-game career to Greg Gumbel," Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw recalled growing close to Gumbel during their four years working together.

"We became really good friends," Bradshaw continued. "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 touches a lot of lives. It's certainly touched mine. So rest in peace, Greg Gumbel. I miss you, buddy."

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 20: Commenter Terry Bradshaw looks on prior to the NFC Championship game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 20, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The NFL Today also mourned Gumbel's passing on Sunday. Bill Cowher fondly remembered his former co-host.

"He lit up every room he walked into. He made you feel special," Cowher said. "There was something about that wry little grin he had about him that he could make you feel like you were something different, and he made you feel like you were better than you really were.

"While he will be missed, his spirit will live with everyone he touched. Greg Gumbel was a special man."

Nate Burleson likened Gumbel to a father figure, remembering how proud he'd be when receiving a congratulatory text from the decorated broadcaster. Although he didn't know Gumbel too well personally, Matt Ryan said Gumbel felt like a part of his life through his work covering football, baseball, and March Madness.

James Brown called Gumbel "one of the best talents of any generation."

"Excellence was his calling card on every platform he graced," Brown said.

Jim Nantz also remembered Gumbel while calling Sunday's game between the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets.

"On the air he was kind, trustworthy and ego-free — just as he was if you were fortunate enough to know him off the air," Nantz said. "A random meeting with Greg Gumbel and you walk away saying, 'That's one of the finest men I've ever met.'"

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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