Sportscasting icon Greg Gumbel dies at 78

(NEXSTAR) — Sportscaster Greg Gumbel, best known for his long career with CBS Sports, has died Friday, Dec. 27, according to CBS Sports and Gumbel's family. Gumbel worked in broadcasting for over 50 years.

In a statement Friday, Gumbel's wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said: "It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved husband and father, Greg Gumbel. 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."

Gumbel was considered a trailblazer for all of his career. He was the first Black play-by-play announcer to broadcast a major championship when he called Super Bowl XXXV in January 2001.

Earlier this year, Gumbel abruptly dropped out of his role leading coverage of NCAA March Madness following "family health issues." He began reporting on the tournament in 1998.

The New Orleans native began his career as a sportscaster at KNBC in Los Angeles before moving to Chicago and making a name for himself in local sports casting. He later became a prominent figure on sports news shows like ESPN's "SportsCenter."

Though he'd previously appeared on CBS Sports programming, his long tenure at the network didn't begin until 1998, where he served as a play-by-play announcer for college basketball and NFL games, CBS said Friday.

In a statement Friday, CBS Sports' CEO and President David Berson wrote: "A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time. He was a familiar and welcoming voice for fans across many sports, including the NFL and March Madness, highlighted by the Super Bowl and Final Four... Greg broke barriers and set the standard for others to follow. It is an extremely sad day for all of us at CBS Sports and the entire sports community."

This is a developing story.