Long-time ESPN journalist Jeff Dickerson is leaving his role at the network, at least for a while. Dickerson joined ESPN Chicago back in 2001, and currently covers the Chicago Bears for ESPN.com and ESPN’s TV properties, co-hosts Dickerson and Hood nationally on ESPN Radio (weekends outside of football season) and fills in for other national hosts. He also covers the Bears for Chicago’s WABC 7 and is a TV analyst for Loyola-Chicago basketball broadcasts.
But he tweeted Wednesday night that he’s stepping away from his ESPN responsibilities to take care of his wife and his son:
With a heavy heart I’ve had to step away from my various ESPN duties to care for my ailing wife and our wonderful 7-year old son. I can’t thank ESPN, my friends & colleagues enough for their unwavering support & concern for my family.
— Jeff Dickerson (@DickersonESPN) July 19, 2018
Dickerson has received a lot of support from colleagues and other Chicago media figures:
Sorry to hear, Jeff. Will be praying for your family. God bless you all
— Sean Jensen (@seankjensen) July 19, 2018
So sorry to hear this, JD. Thinking of you and yours, all the best.
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) July 19, 2018
thinking of you, JD.
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) July 19, 2018
Thinking of you and your family, my friend. Take good care.
— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) July 19, 2018
Sorry to hear that, Jeff. Wishing the best to you and your family.
— Julie DiCaro (@JulieDiCaro) July 19, 2018
so sorry to hear this, Jeff. praying for all of you
— Eric Edholm (@Eric_Edholm) July 19, 2018
Jeff, prayers for your wife. Admire that you will be there to support your family. PS, As a Bear fan living on the west coast, I’ve really enjoyed your coverage.
— Marc Isenberg (@marcisenberg) July 19, 2018
Here’s wishing Dickerson and his family all the best in the coming days.
[Dickerson screencap from this 2016 ESPN video]