WATCH: Notre Dame, Jack Coan send message of support to Dick Vitale

Notre Dame has become the latest in the sports world to send well wishes to sports broadcasting icon and Notre Dame super fan Dick Vitale. Vitale, 82, was diagnosed with lymphoma two weeks ago and is currently undergoing treatment. 

On Friday, Irish quarterback Joan Coan sent a supportive message Vitale’s way on behalf of the entire Notre Dame football team. 

A message for @DickieV from his Irish family. ☘️@jcoan17 | #GoIrish pic.twitter.com/6Df4hmvesv

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 29, 2021

“We just want to let you know that we’re thinking of you, we’re praying for you, we love you, we got your back, and we’re going to get through this together,” Coan said.

Both Vitale and Coan are from the New York City area; Vitale is from Northern New Jersey, while Coan is from Long Island. 

In August, Vitale had melanoma. According to him, doctors believe the diagnoses are unrelated, and the melanoma has been totally cleared. 

Vitale is one of the biggest Irish supporters in sports

Notre Dame holds a special place in Vitale’s heart. A known fan, Vitale’s family has nine degrees from Notre Dame, and he has an honorary degree himself. The broadcaster is especially vocal about his love for Irish basketball, and he is a huge proponent of head coach Mike Brey and the work he has done in South Bend. 

Earlier this year, Vitale made headlines with a jovial prediction about the Cincinnati game.

My motivational tip of the day!#Awesomebaby pic.twitter.com/vCtGfz0MZ7

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) October 1, 2021

“In life you have to have some fun activities,” Vitale said in his always-upbeat tone. “You can’t let life, which we all know has loads of stress in it, so you have to find some activities that give you fun. Well mine, right here. Notre Dame football.”

While his predicted outcome failed to materialize, Vitale clearly had a great weekend in South Bend with his family.

In the ⁦⁦@NDFootball⁩ Stadium as we r getting ready for a big football battle between the Irish and Cincinnati VBDI says ND: 34 UC: 25 pic.twitter.com/wDr7U2C6wL

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) October 2, 2021

Vitale has done an immense amount of work for cancer research through the V Foundation for Cancer Research. He is particularly involved with pediatric cancer research, and hosts the annual Dick Vitale Gala to raise money for the cause.