Chris Wesseling, a beloved writer and podcaster for NFL.com since 2013, died on February 5, 2021, as first reported by his wife Lakisha Jackson Wesseling on Twitter and Instagram.
Wesseling married Lakisha Wesseling in 2019, who works as a digital content editor at NFL.com. Together, they share one son, Lincoln.
Wesseling’s cause of death stemmed from his ongoing battle with cancer. His wife explained on social media that when he left for what she believed was a routine hospital visit a few days ago, it turned out to be “the last time he’d be home” as his cancer had spread to his lungs and other areas.”
Lakisha Wesseling paid tribute to her husband with a series of photos on Instagram on Saturday, the day before Super Bowl LV: “Linc gained the best guardian angel. Chris passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon. I was by his side, holding his hand. Knowing that he’s no longer suffering brings me some comfort, but my heart hurts so much.”
According to the GoFundMe fundraiser created by a friend of the Wesseling family, the man who spent six seasons as a writer for NBCSports.com had previously beat cancer but it returned over the summer.
On July 18, Wesseling, who worked as a senior NFL editor at Rotoworld.com before joining the NFL media crew, shared a photo with his smiling son on Instagram and wrote, “After a brutal 72 hours in chemo’s torture chamber, Linc brought the smile back to his daddy’s face this morning.”
Never thought I’d be happy to revisit the chemo ward, but here I am. Doc assured me pain relief in a few days thanks to chemo, targeted therapy and a bone-strengthening drug. Thank you for all of the thoughtful messages over the past week. Already feel stronger for the fight 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/dwJVKdfDJh
— Chris Wesseling (@ChrisWesseling) July 14, 2020
As of February 6, the campaign has raised $12,406, surpassing its original goal of $10,000. “All the funds will simply be sent over to Lakisha and Wess,” the GoFundMe states. “If you can give a little, give a little. If you can give more, even better. And if you can’t do anything, feel free to just share this on social or with your friends, etc.”
Wesseling’s Wife Documented Her Husband’s Battle With Cancer on Social Media
Fighting cancer is both physically and emotionally exhausting, and to do so amid quarantine with a newborn child made the battle even more difficult. Lakisha Wesseling, however, was able to find support through social media, continuously updating Wesseling’s fans and friends on the status of his health.
During the holidays, Lakisha Wesseling delivered a special shout out to healthcare employees working amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
She wrote, “Christmas was definitely different this year. I want to take time to thank those in the healthcare field that don’t get to spend the holidays with their families. Because of their sacrifice they spend it helping make others feel better. I know this was a highlight of our Christmas Day.”
Wesseling also opened up about his second battle with cancer on Instagram. On September 8, he wrote:
Every day is a challenge to find the sweet spot between lucidity and pain management. Lately, the pain is winning out. Scheduled for MRI this week to see if there is something “actionable” in my back for radiation to zap and offer relief. Only 2 more sessions after today’s chemo and then we run scans again. I’m afraid we’ll find that the cancer has not been obliterated by chemo this time, which means they will send me to clinical trials (experimental treatment) to help make the cancer susceptible to immunotherapy drugs.
Heartfelt Tributes Filled Twitter Following the News of Wesseling’s Death
Wesseling was such a beloved member of the sports community, and Twitter filled with heartfelt tributes to him and his family following his death.
Chris Mortenson tweeted, “Lakisha, so many of us are shocked and mourn with you the loss of Chris. We will lift up all of you in prayer,” while Matthew Berry commented, “I am so very very sad to hear this. Much love to you and your beautiful family.”
I was lucky enough to in a room filled with heroes back in 2018. One of those heroes was @ChrisWesseling. Every single delightful thing people are saying about him is true – he was a wonderful person and made me feel welcome and like a lifelong friend. RIP Chris. pic.twitter.com/xjTDOm8xOo
— Amy Louise Coen (@amycoen) February 7, 2021
Wess is one of the most special people I've ever met. A true friend in all the ways that matter. I'll miss him for the rest of my life. pic.twitter.com/hfRsO8RLlD
— Dan Hanzus (@DanHanzus) February 6, 2021
The Los Angeles Rams official account tweeted, “We’ll save a seat for Chris at SoFi Stadium.”
Family member Nick Wesseling couldn’t believe all the love that came pouring in. He tweeted, “Reading all the comments from friends and strangers alike gives me emotions I’ve never felt. Is there a word for feeling pride, anger, sadness all at the same time? Thank you to everyone for the kind comments. They mean the world to our family.”
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