If you are a fan of sports broadcasting, you may have heard of Greg Gumbel and Bryant Gumbel. They are two of the most prominent and respected sportscasters in the United States, covering various events such as the NFL, the NBA, the Olympics, and college basketball. But are they related? And if so, how?
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The Gumbel Brothers: A Brief Biography
Greg Gumbel and Bryant Gumbel are indeed brothers. They were born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Richard and Rhea Gumbel, a judge and a city clerk respectively They have two sisters, Renee and Rhonda
Greg is the older brother, born on May 3, 1946. He graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, where he also played baseball. He began his television career in 1972 as a sportscaster for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. His younger brother Bryant informed him of an audition for a sports announcer position at WMAQ-TV in Chicago, which he got and worked for seven years
Bryant was born on September 29, 1948. He graduated from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, with a degree in Russian history. He started his journalism career as an editor of Black Sports magazine in 1971. He then joined KNBC-TV as a sportscaster in 1972, where he worked until 1981
The Gumbel Brothers: A Distinguished Career
Both Greg and Bryant have had remarkable careers in sports broadcasting, working for various networks such as NBC, CBS, ESPN, MSG, and HBO. They have covered some of the most significant sporting events in history, such as the Super Bowl, the World Series, the NBA Finals, the Olympics, and the NCAA March Madness.
Greg is best known for his work at CBS Sports, where he has been since 1988 (with a brief stint at NBC from 1994 to 1997). He is currently the studio host for CBS’s men’s college basketball coverage and was a play-by-play broadcaster for the NFL on CBS until 2023. He made history in 2001 when he became the first African-American announcer to call play-by-play of a major sports championship in the United States when he announced Super Bowl XXXV for CBS
Bryant is best known for his work at NBC News, where he was the co-host of The Today Show from 1982 to 1997. He also hosted various shows for CBS News from 1997 to 2002, such as The Early Show and Public Eye with Bryant Gumbel. Since 1995, he has hosted HBO’s acclaimed investigative series Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, which has won several awards and accolades.
The Gumbel Brothers: A Close Relationship
Despite their busy and successful careers, Greg and Bryant have maintained a close relationship as brothers. They have supported each other through personal and professional challenges, such as divorces, health issues, and controversies. They have also collaborated on several occasions, such as co-hosting The Today Show in 1989 and co-anchoring NBC’s coverage of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
Greg has described his brother as his “best friend” and his “hero”. He has praised his brother’s intelligence, courage, and integrity. He has also expressed his admiration for his brother’s achievements and contributions to journalism and sports.
Bryant has also spoken highly of his brother’s talent, professionalism, and character. He has credited his brother for inspiring him to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. He has also thanked his brother for being there for him through thick and thin.
Conclusion
Greg Gumbel and Bryant Gumbel are not only related by blood but also by passion. They are two of the most influential and respected sportscasters in the United States, who have made their mark on the field of sports journalism. They are also two loving brothers who share a strong bond that transcends their careers.
