‘SportsCenter’ Anchor Receives Heartfelt Welcome in First Show Back Since Surgery

This was so wholesome.

Longtime 'SportsCenter' anchor Jay Harris received a warm welcome in his first show back since undergoing prostate cancer surgery. | Screengrab on Twitter/ @SportsCenter

Longtime SportsCenter anchor Jay Harris is back on the air.

On Saturday, the ESPN veteran made his first appearance on SportsCenter since undergoing surgery for prostate cancer last month, and he fittingly received a hero's welcome. Charles Barkley opened the show with a heartfelt video message for Harris, followed by fellow host Brian Custer, who shared a sweet dap with Harris at the SportsCenter desk.

Custer reportedly served a friend and resource to Harris throughout his battle with prostate cancer, having gone through the same experience over a decade ago.

Charles Barkley and @BCusterTV welcomed back @JayHarrisESPN to SportsCenter for his first show since his successful prostate cancer surgery ❤️ pic.twitter.com/DWwkULkEfl

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 12, 2025

Others in sports media including NBA reporter Marc J. Spears also sent warm welcomes to Harris and were elated to see him back in the chair Saturday afternoon.

"So glad to be back!! Appreciate all the well wishes!!!" Harris, 60, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

So glad to be back!!! Appreciate all the well wishes!!! https://t.co/JpLxwvPXgb

— Jay Harris (@JayHarrisESPN) July 12, 2025

Thankfully, it looks like Harris's battle with cancer will have a happy ending.

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