You’d be hard pressed to name a sport Greg Gumbel hasn’t broadcast. Over a nearly 50 year career this veteran announcer has been behind the mic for major events from the Super Bowl to the Olympics and hosted “The NFL Today” and — for the last quarter century — the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. In an interview with host George Ofman on this week’s “Tell Me A Story I Don’t Know” podcast, Gumbel recalled his start in 1973 as sports reporter/anchor for the NBC TV affiliate in Chicago. “Both my brother [Bryant Gumbel] and I don’t ever hesitate to say how very fortunate we were to begin where we began.” Bryant, the host of “Real Sports” on HBO, started his career in Los Angeles.
Both have been extremely successful and owe it to their father. “He had three outlines and repeated them constantly: think clearly, listen carefully and speak distinctively.” Gumbel also discusses the role that race played in his career. “That’s why I was hired at ESPN because there weren’t that many, if any, black faces.”
Gumbel also admits to his real passion, The Rolling Stones. “People don’t even have to know me very well to know I’m a big Rolling Stones fan. People say what is your biggest thrill and I say getting to meet and know The Rolling Stones!”
Well, one thing we know, this won’t be “The Last Time” Gumbel broadcasts. As he begins another season calling NFL a games for CBS, the 76 year old isn’t ready to retire because he says he still loves what he’s doing.
