NFL Host Charissa Thompson Announces Heartbreaking Death

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NFL Host Charissa Thompson Announces Heartbreaking Death

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated May 21, 2026 10:00 PM ET

NFL host Charissa Thompson is mourning the loss of her "best friend."

Thompson, who covers the league for FOX and Amazon Prime, took to her Instagram page on Wednesday night, to announce the heartbreaking death of her beloved dog, Willis.

She's devastated.

" My heart breaks writing this…. I’ve lost my best friend. 12 years wasn’t long enough. The only bad part about having a dog is having to say goodbye. After 12 amazing years of being Willis’ Mom I had to let him go . I knew this day would come, I just never wanted it to. Someone told me that the pain you feel when your dog dies is proportionate to the love you had for them. And if that’s true, my heart will never fully heal ," she wrote.

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Thompson recently lost another dog, Daisy, seven months ago.

"Willis was the first dog I ever owned. Hate saying owned, more like he owned me! He knew how to get anything he wanted from me. I remember getting him as a puppy and thinking what do I do with this little guy," she added.

"❤️Now, 12 years later I am reflecting on how much Willis taught me about life, love , protection , companionship and loyalty. He has been through it all with me. Sat by me when I was sad, smiling and playful when I was happy. Followed me around the house , waited for me while I was getting ready or having to pack & sitting outside my room like a bouncer in a club.

"He was everything to me. I wanted more time with him, as all animal owners long for. Im so grateful I got to hold him as he passed so he knew I was there for him, like he’d always been for me.

"Willis was so many things, handsome , stubborn, smart , sassy ( sorry if you are one of the ones he didn’t like) ha …but above else , a treat man! This guy LOVED treats! ❤️‍Having to say goodbye to him was truly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. He was my first and my most loyal companion

"Willis I hope you’re in heaven running around with Daisy & Pilot ( like in the last slide of this post) and eating soooo many treats!!!! I love and thank you for being the best boy . I’ll miss you every single day ."