Michael Wilbon is stepping away from ESPN for a while to focus on his health.

The longtime co-host of "Pardon the Interruption" announced Monday that he is taking a leave of absence because of what he called "multiple health issues." He hosts the show with his good friend Tony Kornheiser.

Wilbon, who turns 68 later this month, wrote on X that he is going on "the injured list." He added that he hopes it is "not an extended one."

'Worrisome signs'

Wilbon did not go into detail about what he is facing. He said people in his personal life had noticed "worrisome signs" in recent years that he mostly ignored.

He also made a point to say the issues are not related to alcohol or gambling.

"I have no idea how exactly this part of my journey will wind up," Wilbon wrote. "The goal is to come out of it feeling much better than I do now and ready to return to sparring with Tony."

25 years of PTI

Wilbon's last appearance on "PTI" was Oct. 26. The show recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and is credited with changing the sports debate format on TV.

The show grew in part out of the friendship between Wilbon and Kornheiser, who became colleagues at The Washington Post in the 1980s. Wilbon is also part of ESPN's NBA coverage.

"I have loved sparring and hosting PTI with Tony every single day these past 25 years," he wrote. "And I'm incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement of my colleagues as I take this time away to concentrate on me, especially my well-being."