Al Roker surprised viewers on Tuedsay, April 7, when he responded to the news of his TODAY co-anchor, Craig Melvin, taking a health assessment.
After Craig interviewed Olympian Lindsey Vonn, the two took a health assessment by Invivyd. Lindsey, who is currently recovering from a horrific crash at the 2026 Winter Olympics in which she broke her leg, "got a silver" on the test.
"Keep in mind," Craig added: "[Lindsey is] in a wheelchair right now." The gold medalist cannot bear any weight on her leg, but has a goal of walking on her own. In solidarity, Craig to the health assessment too.
© NBC"I took the dang assessment," the TODAY anchor said. "I got a bronze." Joining in on the fun, Al joked: "I took it and it said 'Who are you?'"
Al's health over the years
While the TODAY show meteorologist and anchor joked about his health on the Third Hour, it's been a major concern of his life over the past few years.
In 2023, Al missed several episodes of TODAY following his hospitalization due to blood clots. He was first admitted to the hospital with a blood clot in his legs, with doctors quickly finding the clots had migrated to his lungs.
© InstagramHe shared the news to Instagram, writing: "After some medical whack-a-mole, I am so fortunate to be getting terrific medical care and on the way to recovery. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers and hope to see you soon. Have a great weekend, everyone."
After Al's hospital stint, his wife Deborah Roberts revealed on the morning show: "It's not lost on us that this is a major, major thing for Al to be here," adding: "He's a living breathing miracle. Al was a very, very sick man."
Al's battle with cancer
Three years before undergoing medical treatment for his blood clots, Al was diagnosed with prostate cancer. While the doctors caught the cancer early, Al opened up saying: "Your mind hears cancer, and it goes to the next level."
He went on: "My doctor closed the door and he said, 'I always like to have these meetings face to face,' and it was my first like, 'Oh, wait, what does that mean?'"
© Getty Images for Literary PartneAl had surgery in November 2020, and in January 2021 he received the good news that his cancer was "considered undetectable."
Health tests are important to TODAY anchors
While Craig and Al joked about the results of their health assessments, the health and wellness of themselves and their families is very important. For Craig, spreading awareness of early colon cancer detection is a major priority.
© Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty IIn December 2020, the anchor's older brother, Lawrence Meadows, passed away at age 43 from stage 4 colon cancer. Since his passing, Craig has shared the importance of early detection and raises awareness and funds for colon cancer research.
