“Time isn’t in endless supply.” This line from Adrian Wojnarowski’s retirement message had a deeper implication. Back in September, when ESPN’s senior NBA insider left his spot to make way for Shams Charania, little did we know the reasons behind the decision. Well, there were words about grueling schedules, miserable monotony, and taxing mental health conditions. However, it looks like there was more to the story.

Adrian Wojnarowski let go of his $7.3 million annual salary job at ESPN and went back to his alma mater St. Bonaventure in September. But do you know why? Well, the 55-year-old was diagnosed with prostate cancer in March. His medical condition was one of the reasons why he bid farewell to his duties as an insider.

Wojnarowski redefined what it means to be a reporter. He harnessed social media to disseminate breaking news to feed the insatiable hunger of the crowd. Adrian’s popular ‘Woj bombs’, although non-existent, were a huge trend a few months ago. But, of course, the spotlight, money, and job cannot be everything. So, one day, Woj decided to pack his stuff and leave his office for one last time.

“I didn’t want to spend one more day of my life waiting on someone’s MRI or hitting an agent at 1 a.m. about an ankle sprain,” Wojnarowski told SI. Besides, he insisted that cancer wasn’t the sole player in his decision to retire. There was something more concerning that he experienced and decided-

This is it. I need to get out of this studio. “The job isn’t everything,” Adrian Wojnarowski repeated the mantra in his mind. Moreover, ESPN’s veteran NFL insider, Chris Mortensen’s funeral, shook something in Woj’s core. And thus, it turned out to be the second important reason he chose to step down from his role in the broadcasting organization.

It took an NFL insider’s funeral to humble Adrian Wojnarowski

Post-cancer diagnosis, Adrian Wojnarowski got some clarity over what he should do next. Analyzing NBA players’ MRI reports or ankle sprains wasn’t something he wanted to do forever. But, in May, Woj traveled to Arkansas for Chris Mortensen‘s memorial. The veteran NFL insider for ESPN sadly passed away from throat cancer. Mortensen spent more than three decades at ESPN. When Woj arrived in Bristol in 2017, Mortensen was among the first to welcome him.

Many ESPNers attended the memorial and this is where Adrian Wojnarowski had a shocking experience. He shared: “It made me remember that the job isn’t everything.” The 55-year-old ex-insider was surprised to see how many from Mortensen’s field didn’t make it to the ceremony. “In the end, it’s just going to be your family and close friends. And it’s also, like, nobody gives a s***. Nobody remembers [breaking stories] in the end. It’s just vapor.”

Moreover, Adrian Wojnarowski understood what his family wanted. His wife was eager for him to move on. Years ago, when he buried himself in his phone to break a major story—a DeMarcus Cousins injury, she asked when she’d become his priority. His kids, Annie and Ben, were ready, too. Before the NBA draft, Woj called Ben, leaning toward retirement, and sought his son’s opinion. Ben didn’t hold back. “People think your job is great,” Ben said. “I think your job f***ing sucks. Retire—and go travel with Mom.”

Woj’s family’s final push was his moment of snap. Although, cancer and Chris Mortensen’s funeral played a role in his retirement. The former insider left the pinnacle of fame to be with his loved ones. And maybe that’s why Adrian Wojnarowski is a unique personality in the NBA world.