Charissa Thompson, a familiar face on NFL broadcasts for FOX and Amazon Prime, is facing an incredibly tough time. On Wednesday night, she took to Instagram to share the devastating news that her beloved dog, Willis, has passed away after 12 years together. The post was raw, emotional, and full of love for a companion who meant the world to her.
“My heart breaks writing this…. I’ve lost my best friend,” Thompson wrote. “12 years wasn’t long enough. The only bad part about having a dog is having to say goodbye.” She described holding him as he passed, grateful to be there for him just as he had always been there for her. The pain, she noted, is proportional to the love shared—and she fears her heart may never fully heal.
This loss comes just seven months after Thompson said goodbye to another dog, Daisy. In her tribute, she imagined Willis running free in heaven with Daisy and another dog named Pilot, munching on endless treats. “Willis I hope you’re in heaven running around with Daisy & Pilot … and eating soooo many treats!!!!” she wrote.
Willis was Thompson’s first dog, and she admitted he quickly became the one in charge. “He knew how to get anything he wanted from me,” she said, recalling how she got him as a puppy and wondered what to do with the little guy. Over the years, Willis taught her about life, love, protection, companionship, and loyalty. He was by her side through every high and low—sitting with her when she was sad, playful when she was happy, and even waiting outside her room like a bouncer at a club.
Thompson’s career has kept her busy covering the NFL, but Willis was a constant source of comfort. She reflected on how he followed her around the house, waited while she packed for trips, and was always there. “He was everything to me,” she wrote. “I wanted more time with him, as all animal owners long for.”
The sports world has rallied around Thompson, with fans and colleagues sending messages of support. It’s a reminder that even those in the spotlight face the same heartaches as the rest of us. Thompson’s openness about her grief has struck a chord with many who have lost a pet.
For those navigating similar losses, Thompson’s words offer solace: the pain is a testament to the love. She described Willis as handsome, stubborn, smart, and sassy—a true character who loved treats above all else. “He was my first and my most loyal companion,” she said.
As Thompson mourns, she’s also leaning on the memories. The tribute included a slideshow of photos, capturing years of joy. It’s a poignant moment for the NFL host, who recently called out her boyfriend after watching Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's romance, showing her lighter side.
This isn’t the first time the sports community has faced loss. In recent months, there have been other heartbreaking stories, like NASCAR star Kyle Busch’s sudden death and a tragic pool death that sparked urgent safety warnings. But Thompson’s grief is personal, and she’s sharing it with the world.
Our thoughts are with Charissa Thompson during this difficult time. May Willis rest in peace, running free with Daisy and Pilot, enjoying all the treats he could ever want.
