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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 Madness, was 78 years old.
“It is with 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 surrounded 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 Gumbel 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.”
