In a triumphant return that’s capturing the hearts of sports fans everywhere, legendary college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale is stepping back behind the microphone this weekend to call his first game for ESPN since overcoming cancer for the fourth time. The 85-year-old Hall of Famer, affectionately known as “Dickie V,” will be on the call for the Duke vs. Wake Forest matchup on Saturday, January 25th.
Vitale’s journey back to the broadcast booth has been nothing short of inspiring. Over the past three and a half years, he’s battled four different types of cancer with the same passion and enthusiasm he brings to his game calls. Most recently, he underwent surgery in the summer of 2024 after a biopsy revealed cancer in a lymph node in his neck. But in true Dickie V fashion, he refused to let it sideline him for long.
“I am absolutely ecstatic, and I can’t believe this is happening after going through five major vocal cord surgeries, 65 radiation treatments, and chemotherapy for six months,” Vitale shared in a heartfelt statement. “It’s been a very tough journey, but all of the prayers and messages from the beautiful fans have inspired me.”
Dick Vitale, ESPN Broadcaster
A Broadcasting Legend’s Unbreakable Spirit
Vitale’s unbreakable spirit and genuine love for the game have made him an icon in the world of college basketball. He first joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season, just after the network’s launch, and called their first major NCAA basketball game on December 5, 1979. Over the past four decades, his unmistakable voice, colorful catchphrases, and infectious enthusiasm have become synonymous with the sport.
But beyond his contributions as a broadcaster, it’s Vitale’s character and resilience that truly set him apart. His openness about his cancer battles has inspired countless others facing similar challenges, and his unwavering commitment to raising money for pediatric cancer research through The V Foundation has made a tangible difference in so many lives.
Overcoming the Odds, Time and Time Again
Vitale’s road to this weekend’s broadcast has been paved with months of surgeries, radiation treatments, and chemotherapy sessions. It’s a path no one would choose, but one he’s navigated with grace, determination, and an enduring sense of optimism.
- 2021: Diagnosed with lymphoma, just months after undergoing multiple surgeries to remove melanoma.
- 2022: Declared cancer-free after dedicated treatment.
- 2023: Faced a new diagnosis of vocal cord cancer, requiring radiation.
- November 2023: After treatment, shared the joyous news of being cancer-free once again.
Through it all, Vitale’s passion for basketball never wavered. His last game assignment before this weekend was nearly two years ago, calling the international broadcast of the San Diego State vs. UConn national championship for ESPN on April 3, 2023.
The Comeback of a Lifetime
Now, as he prepares to make his triumphant return to the airwaves, Vitale is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to do what he loves once again. In his own words:
“I just hope that I can offer the people some basketball insights that can bring even more excitement to the game.”
Dick Vitale
For the millions of college basketball fans who have grown up with Dickie V as the soundtrack to their favorite sports memories, hearing his voice on the call once again will undoubtedly bring a special kind of excitement. More than just a game, it’s a celebration of resilience, a testament to the power of the human spirit, and a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, there’s always the chance to stage a comeback of a lifetime.
So this Saturday, as Dick Vitale takes his seat courtside and gets ready to call the action, the entire sports world will be cheering him on—not just as a broadcaster, but as a true icon who embodies the very best of what sports can teach us about life, perseverance, and the unbreakable power of the human spirit.
