Notre Dame grad assistant Kyle McCarthy to take leave of absence

Kyle McCarthy, a former Notre Dame safety who is in his first season as a grad assistant with the team, will take intermittent leaves of absence after learning that he was diagnosed with cancer, the school announced in a press release.

Kyle McCarthy, a former Notre Dame safety who is in his first season as a grad assistant with the team, will take intermittent leave of absence from the Irish after being diagnosed with cancer, the school announced in a press release. 

A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with a very treatable form of cancer. Yesterday, I began chemotherapy as the next step in eliminating

— Kyle McCarthy (@KMcCarthy28) August 14, 2014

this disease. I'm truly blessed to have such amazing love and support from family and friends. Thank you to everyone for your

— Kyle McCarthy (@KMcCarthy28) August 14, 2014

thoughts and prayers over the last few weeks. I expect a full recovery and look forward to returning to the team during and after

— Kyle McCarthy (@KMcCarthy28) August 14, 2014

my treatment. Go Irish!

— Kyle McCarthy (@KMcCarthy28) August 14, 2014

McCarthy was a member of the Irish for five seasons and served as a team captain in 2009. His 240 career tackles rank second in school history amongst defensive backs.

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“Kyle’s attitude and outlook toward his treatment is remarkable,” said Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly. “We will support him the entire way. We are very confident he’ll receive the necessary treatment to make a complete recovery.”

The 27-year-old spent time with the Broncos, Chiefs and Raiders before a series of knee injuries ended his NFL career. 

- Molly Geary