Stuart Scott's got one heck of a team pulling for him.
The 49-year-old SportsCenter anchor is battling cancer for the third time, and his Monday Night Countdown family is missing him dearly. Suzy Kolber led co-hosts Steve Young, Trent Dilfer and Ray Lewis as well as several ESPN crew members in an emotional tribute to Stuart last night, all joining hands and sending him strength and love.
"This is Jimmy V week, and Stuart is the recipient of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance," said Suzy, fighting back tears. "And he said in his amazing speech [from the 2014 ESPYs in July]....that sometimes, 'When you when you don't have the strength, you need your friends to step up a little bit and help you.'"
"So, Stuart," she said, "we want you to know, we're sending some extra strength, and how much we love you, and keep fighting that fight....Stuart loves being here...and Stuart, we miss you."
Stuart's ESPN family aren't the only people pulling for him, of course. During his emotional speech at the 2014 ESPYs, the sportscasting vet praised his daughters. "The best thing I've ever done, the best thing I will ever do is be a dad to Taelor and Sydni," he said. "I can't ever give up because I can't leave my daughters. Yes, sometimes I embarrass them, sometimes they think I'm a tyrant—that's a direct quote....Taelor and Sydni, I love you girls more than I will ever be able to express. You are my heartbeat. I am standing on this stage here tonight because of you."
Our thoughts and prayers are with Stuart and his loved ones.