NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / May 6, 2026 / Originally published on Aflac Newsroom
Sports fans immediately recognize his voice. Beloved broadcaster Ernie Johnson Jr. first graced the airwaves in 1979 and quickly became one of the most recognizable sports hosts and analysts. On air, his visible warmth, humor and humanity was welcomed in millions of living rooms across the nation and matched only by his persona off the air.
Then, "it" happened.
Ernie's long cancer journey began quietly in 2003, at the young age of 47. He noticed swelling on the left side of his face. Admittedly, he delayed getting it checked out - after all, it was painless and didn't interfere with his work. Eventually, he saw his doctor, went through scans, biopsies and a bone marrow test before finally receiving a diagnosis: non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, but also a wake-up call that transformed him from innocent bystander to the cancer epidemic into an active advocate. It was only the tip of his iceberg, as years later, prostate cancer would take hold as well.
Not just a survivor - a champion
This April, Ernie received an honor, becoming one of Aflac's inaugural Check for Cancer Champions. An exclusive group comprised of people who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to turning negatives into positives.
Though he is grateful for this recognition, there's a common phrase among those living with cancer that Ernie often expresses, "It's a club no one wants to belong to." It's through this reluctant association that he gained a new understanding of vulnerability, empathy and the importance of using his platform and voice to help others navigate their own journeys, starting with early detection. That's why he turned his own situation into an opportunity to fiercely advocate for cancer screenings and proactive health care. It is why he has been named a Check for Cancer Champion.
Using his voice to inspire others to check for cancer
Ernie doesn't cut around the edges when it comes to his advocacy. He urges people to face the "fear factor" of testing - avoidance is not a strategy. He encourages open conversations and uses his own experience as proof points. And for those diagnosed, he says, "You may have cancer, but it doesn't have you!"
Ernie is famous. He has a wonderful family and is beloved within and outside of his profession. He could easily have dealt with cancer in solitude. He had every right to say, "It's none of your business." But that is not Ernie. That's not the man who gives of himself in ways that are never discussed or publicized. It's not the guy who quietly gives back to his community, visits children at the nearby cancer center and motivates others to higher levels of altruism.
What he does is speak out. He says, "There's no shame in taking care of your health," reminding men that it is a sign of strength. He lends his name and bandwidth to organizations whose missions are to improve and save lives through advocacy awareness and support. He pulls no punches reminding Black men to prioritize early screening, as they are more likely than any others to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. And, extending his legacy of advocacy, Ernie and his wife Cheryl, cofounded the Love You Too Foundation to support vulnerable children and families facing various health-related needs. Ernie Johnson Jr. helps save lives, and that makes him a champion.
The Check for Cancer Champions program is part of Aflac's Check for Cancer initiative, a bold, national movement to increase cancer screenings by 10% over 10 years. Learn more about the Check for Cancer movement by visiting Aflac.com/CheckForCancer.
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View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:
https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/banking-and-financial-services/check-for-cancer-champion-ernie-johnson-jr.s-legacy-beyond-survival-1164384
