Broadcasting legend Dick Vitale was met with a loud roar from Clemson fans at Littlejohn Coliseum for his return to his broadcasting duties on Saturday.
Vitale, who has not called a game in nearly two years, returned to TV for Clemson’s home game against No. 2 Duke.
The Hall of Fame broadcaster has been on a hiatus since 2023 as he has battled four different types of cancer.
ESPN created a montage for Vitale ahead of Saturday’s game, where he then gave a special message at the end.
“I cannot believe I’m going to be calling the game,” Vitale said in the message. “Thank you to all the colleagues, all the messages, all the prayers.”
“For any cancer patient that might be listening, always think positive, and have faith,” Vitale added.
Vitale was also seen taking pictures and fist-bumping with fans in Clemson’s student section.
The longtime ESPN analyst opened up about his journey battling cancer alongside Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander, with emotions flooding through.
“I wanna say thank you to all the people, the reception has been off the charts,” Vitale said fighting back tears. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be here. This is like my Super Bowl.”
“To be able to be sitting at court side and do a game, it beats the hell out of chemotherapy and radiation.”
Vitale, 85, announced that he was cancer free on Jan. 8 following five vocal chord surgeries, along with six months of chemotherapy and 65 radiation treatments.
His most recent surgery was in the summer of 2024, following a cancerous lymph node in his neck.
Vitale’s return comes 22 months after his game where he was assigned to the international broadcast for the UConn vs. San Diego State national title game on April 3, 2023.
He has been a broadcaster for ESPN since the 1979-80 season, calling more than 1,000 games during his illustrious career.
He was inducted into the Naismith and College Basketball Halls of Fame in 2008 for his work behind the microphone.
Vitale was scheduled to return to TV last month, but it was delayed due to an accident at his home.
