How long was Greg Gumbel on CBS March Madness? Clark Kellogg pays tribute to late sports commentator 

CBS' Clark Kellogg pays tribute to Greg Gumbel during this year's Selection Sunday broadcast, months after the sports commentator's demise.

Former basketball player Kellogg, 63, reflected on the time he spent with Gumbel as a friend and colleague, noting that he had a positive impact on him and his life. The sports commentator and longtime host of March Madness was also remembered during this year's broadcast, as it opened with a tribute video.

Gumbel, who died from cancer in December 2024 at the age of 78, served as the anchor of the network's Selection Sunday show and NCAA Tournament coverage for 25 years.

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Greg Gumbel's life and legacy explored

The tribute video began with the following text:

“For more than 25 years Greg Gumbel was the host of March Madness on CBS. We will miss our dear friend and colleague.”

The clip was followed up by a clip of Gumbel reflecting on his love for the NCAA Tournament.

“Greg loved March Madness…,” a second text overlay read. “…And the Stones.”

The program then kicked off with Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones, played in honor of the veteran anchor. Apart from Kellogg, Adam Zucker, Jay Wright, and Seth Davis chimed in to pay their respects to the late sportscaster, with each sharing some of their favorite memories of him.

“Forever changed in a positive and significant way because he was my colleague and friend sitting in that seat for over two decades,” Kellogg said in his tribute. “And he did it with great class. Great composure, great humor and great humility. Forever remembered and I’m so much better for having spent time in his orbit as a friend and colleague.”

Furthermore, the studio crew sported The Rolling Stones shirts in honor of the sportscaster and signature voice of March Madness. Gumbel could not attend last year's broadcast due to "family health issues," the network cited back then, marking the first time since 1977 that he did not attend the telecast.

The NCAA March Madness official X account also uploaded an image of the late legend, while the caption read:

"Thinking about the legend Greg Gumbel during Selection Sunday. We're going to miss you tonight."

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As reported by New York Post, early on in his career, Greg Gumbel worked for ESPN on SportsCenter. However, he later made his foray as Marv Albert’s backup for Knicks broadcasts, before he began hosting MSG Network's coverage of Yankees baseball.