What Lil Wayne said in heartfelt message to ESPN’s Linda Cohn on night of host’s retirement

What Lil Wayne said in heartfelt message to ESPN’s Linda Cohn on night of host’s retirement originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Athletes and viewers alike are paying tribute to longtime SportsCenter anchor Linda Cohn as she retires after 34 years, but few might have expected one of the tributes she received.

Rapper Lil Wayne recorded a video tribute for Cohn, surprising the host and bringing a wide smile to her face.A well-known football and basketball fan, Lil Wayne actually credited Cohn with getting him invested in another sport.Here's a look at what Lil Wayne said to Cohn.

MORE:Why Charles Barkley dared ESPN to fire him over Cardi B commentsLil Wayne message to Linda CohnIn a video message, Lil Wayne paid tribute to Cohn while wearing a Carolina Hurricanes jersey. "ESPN will never be the same without you," the rapper said, explaining that Cohn's passion for hockey inspired him to become interested in the sport. "It made me get into it just to find out what you was talking about," he said.

Linda Cohn is retiring after 34 amazing years ... and Lil Wayne had to give her flowers before she left 🥹🫶@lindacohn | @LilTunechipic.twitter.

com/jvvUgsfHIK— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 27, 2026Lil Wayne is a big-time sports fan. He isn't shy about his Green Bay Packers or Los Angeles Lakers fandom, and he wore a Hurricanes jersey while performing in 2025. Whether Lil Wayne is a Hurricanes fan isn't clear, but Cohn might be the primary reason he now follows along with hockey.

The rapper's tribute was one of many on a night in which Cohn's career was honored:"Energy and fun. That is Linda Cohn."John Buccigross had to give @lindacohn her flowers after 34 incredible years at ESPN 💐 pic.

twitter.com/V4TDhyXbme— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 27, 2026Here's a closer look at the connection between Lil Wayne and Cohn.Lil Wayne-Linda Cohn relationshipThe message might have surprised Cohn, but she and Lil Wayne devel