Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara said goodbye to their 12-year-old dog on Thursday. Wilson made the announcement on Facebook and said they were saying goodbye to their dog, Prince. Prince had survived cancer two times. Wilson said most dogs who have cancer only live for six years.

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson says Prince, the dog that has been with him since his rookie year, has died. Wilson posted on social media Thursday saying goodbye to his 12-year-old dog.

Just days after Wilson and the Steelers were eliminated from Super Bowl contention, the quarterback and his wife, Ciara, announced that their Great Dane had passed away.

Wilson took to Instagram to share the crushing news of the loss of the couple’s 12-year-old Great Dane, Prince, with a touching message as well.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson shared heartbreaking news on social media Thursday afternoon. Wilson announced the passing of his dog, Prince, who was 12 years old. Prince was a Great Dane and overcame cancer twice, Wilson revealed in a statement.

Speaking to PEOPLE in May 2019 for the Banfield Foundation's Safer Together initiative in an effort to provide more resources to pet owners in abusive situations, Wilson fondly discussed how his dogs always included themselves in family activities — even when he and his wife tried having alone time.

Steelers soon-to-be free agent Russell Wilson and his family are dealing with a heavy loss. Wilson’s dog “Prince” has died at the age of 12.