Beloved CBS sports broadcaster Greg Gumbel passes away at 78.

Why it matters: Gumbel leaves behind a remarkable legacy in sports broadcasting, breaking barriers and setting standards throughout his 50-year career.

What's new: Gumbel's family confirmed his peaceful passing after a courageous battle with cancer.

Yes, but: Despite his absence from this year's NCAA tournament, Gumbel had signed an extension with CBS last year to continue hosting college basketball.

What to watch: The sports broadcasting industry has lost a true icon and trailblazer in Greg Gumbel.

• Gumbel became the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship, announcing Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.
• He hosted CBS' NFL studio show "The NFL Today" and called NFL games as the lead play-by-play announcer.
• Gumbel also made significant contributions to other sports such as hosting CBS' coverage of the Winter Olympics and calling Major League Baseball games.

What's next: The sports broadcasting community will undoubtedly honor Gumbel's legacy and celebrate his groundbreaking career.

• David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, praised Gumbel for his tremendous talent and storytelling abilities.
• Gumbel's impact on the industry will continue to inspire future generations of broadcasters.

The bottom line: Greg Gumbel's passing marks the end of an era in sports broadcasting, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered.

Beloved CBS sports broadcaster Greg Gumbel passes away at 78.

Why it matters: Gumbel leaves behind a remarkable legacy in sports broadcasting, breaking barriers and setting standards throughout his 50-year career.

What's new: Gumbel's family confirmed his peaceful passing after a courageous battle with cancer.

Yes, but: Despite his absence from this year's NCAA tournament, Gumbel had signed an extension with CBS last year to continue hosting college basketball.

What to watch: The sports broadcasting industry has lost a true icon and trailblazer in Greg Gumbel.

• Gumbel became the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship, announcing Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.
• He hosted CBS' NFL studio show "The NFL Today" and called NFL games as the lead play-by-play announcer.
• Gumbel also made significant contributions to other sports such as hosting CBS' coverage of the Winter Olympics and calling Major League Baseball games.

What's next: The sports broadcasting community will undoubtedly honor Gumbel's legacy and celebrate his groundbreaking career.

• David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, praised Gumbel for his tremendous talent and storytelling abilities.
• Gumbel's impact on the industry will continue to inspire future generations of broadcasters.

The bottom line: Greg Gumbel's passing marks the end of an era in sports broadcasting, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered.