Patriots' Mike Vrabel Grateful for DC's Cancer-Free Status

When New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel hired his longtime assistant Terrell Williams as his offensive coordinator last January, he knew that he was getting a fighter.

Yet, even Vrabel could not have envisioned the degree to which Williams’ spirt would be tested throughout the season. The 51-year-old was diagnosed with prostate cancer in late September, temporarily forcing him away from the sidelines to seek treatment. Just over four months later, Williams has been granted a clean bill of health.

Though the 51-year-old made several visits to Gillette Stadium this season, he has not traveled for a Patriots game. However, Williams made the trip to Santa Clara, California and is with the team as they attempt to bring a NFL-record seventh Super Bowl championship to New England as they face off against the Seahawks on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium.

As his team beings its preparation in earnest for their showdown with the Seahawks, Vrabel took a moment to reflect on his friend’s journey back to to good health while speaking with reporters at the team’s hotel in Santa Clara.

“He's doing great,” Vrabel said, courtesy of Patriots Media. “He is cancer-free, and he was able to come in and be a part of things that we were doing late in the season based on how he was feeling, and so it was great to have him around based on his health and what he felt. Certainly, great to have him out here this week, and I would say that he has a reach to all three phases, the players on our team and through our staff. So, I'm glad that he can be out here to enjoy this and also help us prepare.”

Patriots Mike Vrabel, Terrell Williams Share an Indelible Bond

Jul 28, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel (red sleeves) and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams watch players during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Williams originally suffered what he deemed to be an “eye-opening medical situation” earlier this year. He remained at his home in Detroit per physician’s orders, as head coach Mike Vrabel, Patriots rookies and roster hopefuls took the practice fields during offseason workouts. Though Williams returned to the field for the Patriots at the start of training camp, he was forced to leave practice in late August due to dehydration. While bracing treated for the stomach flu in September, he was shortly thereafter diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who joined the Patriots this offseason, has done a tremendous job in calling the defensive plays in Williams’ absence through the regular season and into the playoffs. Kuhr found his way to New England after serving as a defensive assistant with the New York Giants in 2024.

While New England has been justifiably confident that Kuhr has both the experience and ability to keep the ship sailing in the right direction to date, they are undoubtedly excited to have both coaches back in the Foxborough fold. Still, Williams’ competitive has him squarely focused on the task at hand — saddling the Seahawks with just their fifth loss of the season, while securing their seventh Lombardi Trophy.

“Honestly, my thoughts are about the game and not really about me or the Super Bowl or anything,” Williams said via the Associated Press. “This could be a preseason game and I’d be happy to be here with these guys after kind of what I’ve been through, what we’ve been through. It’s been joyous for me just to watch them develop and watch them buy into the message that Vrabes is preaching.”

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