Seattle Seahawks DT Jessie Williams diagnosed with cancer
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jessie Williams has been diagnosed with papillary type 2 cancer, the team announced. Williams will undergo kidney surgery in order to treat the cancer.
“Although disappointing, I am a fighter and will handle this," Williams said in a release. "I am going to focus on my health and fighting this battle with a return to football as my ultimate goal. Thank you for your thoughts and support. Go Hawks!"
“Jesse is an extraordinarily tough individual who has overcome a great deal in his life and we will support him in any way possible. He is in our thoughts and prayers,” Seahawks general manager John Schneider said.
Seattle drafted Williams in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft. He did not play for the team in either 2013 or 2014, battling knee injuries during those seasons. After the Seahawks won Super Bowl 48, Williams became the first Australian-born NFL player to win a Super Bowl ring.
Seattle had waived Williams after the 2014 season, but recently re-signed him. In two seasons at Alabama, Williams had 61 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
On his Instagram account Monday, Williams posted a photo of him with a caption expressing gratitude for the support he's received.
