Jenny Dell, the familiar face on CBS Sports sidelines, has a message that goes far beyond the gridiron: get your skin checked. The popular reporter, known for her college football and NFL coverage, is using her platform to deliver a critical health warning as the 2026 football season approaches.
Dell recently underwent surgery to remove nodular basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer. The spot was discovered during a routine skin check, and thankfully, the procedure was successful. But her experience serves as a stark reminder that skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of how healthy they feel.
A Routine Check, A Life-Changing Call
In a heartfelt social media post, Dell detailed her journey: a tiny spot on her forehead, a yearly skin check, a biopsy, and then the call that changed everything. "Nodular basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer," she wrote. "Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It typically grows slowly and very rarely spreads to other parts of the body—but it CAN grow deeper and become more difficult to treat if it's ignored."
Dell emphasized a crucial point: "You cannot tell for sure that something is skin cancer just by looking at it. A biopsy is the only way to know. That's exactly how mine was found." She stressed that she felt "completely fine" before the diagnosis, underscoring the silent nature of the disease.
GET. YOUR. SKIN. CHECKED.
Dell's message is simple yet urgent: "GET. YOUR. SKIN. CHECKED. Make the yearly appointment. Pay attention to new spots. Pay attention to anything changing, growing or just looking different. And if your dermatologist wants to biopsy something, don't put it off."
Her warning resonates beyond the sports world, touching on a health issue that affects millions. As the football season kicks off, Dell's story is a powerful reminder that our most important opponent isn't on the field—it's the one we can't see. This echoes the recent NFLPA's stark warning to players about health risks, highlighting how athletes and personalities are increasingly using their voices to promote well-being.
Fans Rally Behind Dell
The response to Dell's post has been overwhelmingly supportive. Fans shared their own experiences with skin cancer, praising her for raising awareness. One fan wrote, "Yes! Super important to get your skin checked! I have had multiple biopsies and multiple basal cell cancers removed. Thank you Jenny for using your platform to spread the word!"
Another echoed the challenges of accessing care: "First, so glad they caught it! Second, access to medical specialists in rural areas is a huge problem. I tried making a derm appointment and its not until September 2027!" Others shared similar stories of successful treatments, with one melanoma survivor noting, "Early detection is KEY."
Dell's advocacy comes at a time when the sports world is increasingly focused on health and safety, from debates over player eligibility to concerns about the state of the game. But her message transcends these debates, offering a simple, life-saving piece of advice.
As she continues her recovery, Dell's voice remains as strong as ever. Her willingness to share her story is a gift to her fans and a testament to her character. In a world where sports news often focuses on scores and trades, this is a reminder that the most important victories happen off the field.
So, as you gear up for the 2026 football season, take a page from Jenny Dell's playbook: schedule that skin check. It could save your life.
