ESPN legend Dick Vitale has revealed that he's battling cancer again. The longtime voice of college basketball announced his latest diagnosis in a statement on Monday.
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"I've beaten melanoma, I've beaten lymphoma, I've beaten vocal cord cancer, and I've beaten lymph node cancer. I'm four-for-four and I'm fully confident I'm going to make it five-for-five," Vitale said via a statement, released through ESPN. "I am truly overwhelmed by the love, support, prayers and messages I've received from so many people."
Vitale then used his statement to thank his support system, ensuring they received a special mention.
"I'm incredibly blessed to have my family beside me, and my ESPN family - led by Chairman Jimmy Pitaro — has been absolutely terrific. Their support has inspired me to keep fighting and I will do everything in my power to win another battle.
Encouragingly, Vitale noted that he's feeling well within himself, despite the worrying health update.
"The best news I can share today is this: I feel fantastic," he said in his statement.
Vitale is an ESPN lifer. He joined the company during its formative year of 1979, and has become a cornerstone of their college basketball coverage. He was most recently involved in the First Four broadcast between Texas and North Carolina State for March Madness.
Dick Vitale Has Been Cancer Four Times Before
Vitale has been navigating health issues since 2021, when he was first diagnosed with melanoma and lymphoma. He beat both of them. Unfortunately for Vitale, he was once again diagnosed with cancer in 2023, this time in his vocal cords.
A 2024 biopsy revealed that Vitale had lymph node cancer, marking the fourth time he would battle the illness. Once again, he won the fight and in 2025 was declared cancer-free. Outside of his basketball coverage, Vitale has become an advocate for raising money to battle against cancer, especially within children.
"At 86 years young, I've lived a hell of a life, and I'm more motivated than ever to raise money for kids battling cancer," his statement continued. "No child should ever have to go through what I've experienced. I am grateful beyond words for all of the support I've received, and I'm already looking forward to this year's annual Gala on May 1. I really feel we will raise $12 million to add to the $105 million we've already raised, all for pediatric cancer research."
Hopefully, Vitale can win his fifth-round battle and get back to doing what he loves. Because even after almost 50 years, we're not done hearing "it's awesome baby" whenever college basketball is on television.
