The following statements are from ESPN college football analyst Rod Gilmore and ESPN President John Skipper. Gilmore, who joined ESPN in 1996, works on ESPN Saturday telecasts alongside Mark Jones and Quint Kessenich, and contributes to a variety of ESPN news and information shows.

FROM ROD GILMORE :

“I was recently diagnosed with a form of blood cancer known as Multiple Myeloma and there are a few things I wanted to share.

“First, I feel great and my prognosis is good. I have great support with an amazing medical team, an incredible wife and family, and amazing friends and colleagues.

“Second, my condition was discovered during an annual physical, which I’ve had done for more than 25 years. Early detection is critical and I encourage all of you to get annual physicals–cancer does not discriminate and it will hide if you let it.

“Finally, amazing advances have been made in cancer research and treatment, principally due to your generous donations to organizations like The V Foundation. Donations work. We are so close to finding cures to some forms of cancer in the not too distant future. Please continue to support research of any kind in whatever way you can. It’s making a difference.

“I’m looking forward to enjoying another incredible and exciting college football season with all of you. See you Week 1 in Nashville.”

FROM JOHN SKIPPER:

“We extend our thoughts and support to Rod and his loved ones. Rod is the consummate professional, and a valued and esteemed colleague, who has the entire ESPN family behind him. I know he is approaching his battle with hope and optimism and we wish him continued strength in that fight. We look forward to his expert analysis on our college football coverage, where he has been educating and informing fans for many years.”