Ernie Johnson, Jr. to Receive the 2023 Vince Lombardi Award of Excellence

Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s 32^nd Annual Award of Excellence on March 3 will honor Johnson for his efforts to raise cancer awareness

TNT NBA Broadcaster Ernie Johnson, Jr. will return to his hometown of Milwaukee to accept the Award of Excellence from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation on March 3 at Fiserv Forum.

 

"Ernie Johnson, Jr. beat cancer and used his experience to spread hope through the whole world," said Paul "Mo" Moline, Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation President and cancer survivor. "We have a great list of guest speakers who are helping move the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation's mission forward and make this event successful." 

 

“It’s an honor to be selected for this award,” said Ernie Johnson, Jr., the longtime host of TNT's Inside the NBA. “Everyone goes through hardships, and I am glad my story can help others overcome their own challenges.” 

 

Through Feb. 24, individuals who purchase a ticket to the event will also receive a complimentary ticket to the Bucks vs. 76ers game on Sunday, April 2, while supplies last. Tickets to the event include dinner on the arena floor, an open bar reception and a Q&A with Ernie Johnson, Jr. and guest speakers.

 

The guest speakers include Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum President Peter Feigin, Milwaukee Bucks Guard Pat Connaughton, Vince Lombardi’s grandson John Lombardi, Milwaukee Bucks DJ, DJ Shawna, Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Board President Paul “Mo” Moline, Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Board Member Emily Phillips, TMJ4 Sports Anchor and Reporter Lance Allen and ESPN Reporter and Event Emcee Jen Lada.

 

Tickets to the 32nd Award of Excellence are available at lombardifoundation.org/award-of-excellence. All proceeds from the event support the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation’s mission to fight cancer in honor of legendary NFL Coach Vince Lombardi who lost his life to colon cancer at age 57. 

 

About the Vince Lombardi Award of Excellence & Ernie Johnson, Jr.

The Vince Lombardi Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who capture legendary Coach Lombardi’s spirit of commitment and excellence. Honorees have the same desire as the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation to prevent cancer, care for those battling it and find a cure.

Johnson was selected for his efforts in raising awareness for cancer and spreading good into the world. Johnson was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2003 and shared the news with the public in 2006. His openness around the subject of cancer has impacted millions of people.

Johnson grew up in Milwaukee in the Enderis Park neighborhood and now announces for the NBA. He is a well-known sports personality and a multi-sports Emmy award winner. He is most known for his role on TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” NBA TV’s “Fan Night,” and NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship coverage. Johnson has touched and inspired many with his vulnerability in talking about some of his most impactful and hardest challenges in life, including losing his father; adoption of four children, including one with special needs; and being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

“It’s an honor to be selected for this award,” said Johnson. “Everyone goes through hard things, and I am glad my story can help others overcome their own challenges.”

Johnson will be joining an impressive list of 31 previous honorees, including Bart Starr, Hank Aaron, Russell Wilson and John Wooden. Read about all past winners in the Award of Excellence Hall of Fame. 

About the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation 

The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation was established in 1971 and has raised over $22 million in memory of five-time NFL Championship Green Bay Packers Coach Vince Lombardi. Coach Lombardi’s spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to excellence touched countless lives. On September 3, 1970, he lost a battle to colon cancer, dying at only 57. In his honor, the foundation is dedicated to preventing cancer, caring for those who are battling it and finding a cure. Its national Medical Advisory Board reviews grants to ensure that the foundation is funding the most innovative and cutting-edge research and care. For more information on the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation, visit lombardifoundation.org and follow the foundation on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.