Dick Vitale Cleared for ESPN Return After Vocal Cords Diagnosed as Cancer-Free

Legendary ESPN college basketball personality Dick Vitale is one step closer to getting back to doing what he loves most.

Vitale announced on Wednesday that an examination by his doctor determined that his vocal cords are cancer-free, and his doctor cleared him to return to calling games courtside for ESPN:

Vitale hasn't called a game since 2022, but he never gave up on his fight to return to the broadcast desk. He underwent surgery last July to remove a cancerous lymph node that was discovered in his neck the previous month. In December, he announced that he is cancer-free.

The 85-year-old was diagnosed with melanoma in Aug. 2021, lymphoma in Oct. 2021 and dysplasia and ulcerated lesions of the vocal cords in early 2022. Still, he never wavered in his belief that he would be back on the sidelines.

"I miss so much the entire college spirit at the games as I always love being able to share time with the players, coaches, fans, media and especially my ESPN colleagues," Vitale told USA Today through text messages last March.

One of the most beloved and recognizable sports personalities of all time, Vitale has been a broadcaster and analyst since 1979. His unmatched energy and his penchant for fun catchphrases and expressions made him a household name and helped increase the popularity of college basketball.

Vitale has been missed during his time away from the broadcast desk, so fans across all sports will surely give him a warm welcome when he's finally able to return.