Phil Simms paid tribute to his former broadcast partner, Greg Gumbel, who died Friday after a battle with cancer.
“Greg Gumbel was an iconic voice — fiercely smart, warm, trustworthy. He was also my friend,” the former Giants quarterback posted on X. “Greg wasn’t just funny — he was REALLY funny. I will miss him.”
Gumbel, who called NFL games on CBS for decades and also served as the network’s host for March Mad🎃ness, was 78 years old.
“It is witꦑh profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel,” his family said in a statement released Friday by CBS. “He passed away peacefully su🅘rrounded by much love after a courageous battle with cancer.
“Greg approached his illness like one would expect he would, with stoicism, grace, and positivity. 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.”
Simms and Gumbe💝l worked together as the CBS No.1 NFL♔ broadcasting duo after the network regained NFL rights in 1998, and they called Super Bowls XXXV (Giants-Ravens) and XXXVIII (Patriots-Panthers) together in Jan. 2001 and Feb. 2004, respectively.
Gumbel also served as a studio host on “NFL Today” before later returning to play-by-play duties.
“Greg Gumbel was broadcasting royalty,” CBS’ Jim Nantz said in a statement. “He was as selfless a broadcaster as anyone in the industry has ever known. Our careers intersected for nearly 35 years, and he was the consummate teammate and friend. There’s not a member of the CBS Sports family who doesn’t have a sweet or kind memory of Greg.
“I have so much love and respect for him, and I’m going to miss him dearly.”
