Adrian Wojnarowski, a well-known figure in NBA reporting, has shared his choice to step back from sports journalism, indicating that his recent prostate cancer diagnosis played a significant role in this decision.

At the age of 55, Wojnarowski declared his retirement from ESPN in September after a seven-year stint, opting to become the general manager for the men’s basketball team at St. Bonaventure University. In his retirement message, he expressed, “Time isn’t limitless, and I wish to dedicate mine to more personally significant pursuits.”

During an interview on Thursday, Wojnarowski clarified that this statement was linked to his cancer journey.

In a Sports Illustrated article, Wojnarowski disclosed that he received an early-stage prostate cancer diagnosis in March, just before an ESPN broadcast, after a physical examination revealed elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels in his blood. He mentioned that his diagnosis is favorable, stating the cancer is “quite limited” and does not require surgery, just ongoing observation and some lifestyle modifications such as improved nutrition and regular exercise.

“When you hear the word cancer, you imagine it spreading through your body like Pac-Man,” stated Wojnarowski, who currently has no symptoms. “Prostate cancer usually remains localized and tends to grow slowly.”

While his health concerns influenced his career change, Wojnarowski emphasized that they weren’t the only factor. The diagnosis led him to reassess what truly matters in life—his family.

“I didn’t want to waste another day of my life waiting for someone’s MRI results or bothering an agent at 1 a.m. about a minor injury,” Wojnarowski explained to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. “Ultimately, it comes down to your family and close friends. Plus, it really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. People don’t remember those breaking stories later on. They simply fade away.”

Wojnarowski traded an annual salary of $7.3 million at ESPN for a $75,000 salary at St. Bonaventure, asserting, “The only reason to stay was for the money, and that wasn’t enough of a reason.”

His family—wife Amy and children Annie, 25, and Ben, 22—were supportive of his decision. Ben, a senior at the University of Denver, candidly told his father, “People think your job is amazing. In my opinion, your job (expletive) sucks.”

Wojnarowski shared his anticipation for this new chapter: “What I was doing just didn’t provide me with satisfaction anymore. I felt finished. This opportunity excites me. I’m eager to learn new things and contribute to a new venture. It’s a fresh challenge.”

In a follow-up social media message after his profile in Sports Illustrated, Wojnarowski expressed gratitude for the support he’s received and reassured everyone that he will be okay. He added, “By sharing my prostate cancer diagnosis, I hope to encourage men to get screened and tested. Early detection can significantly impact outcomes—for me and many others.”