National Football League

Seahawks DL Jesse Williams diagnosed with cancer

Published May. 18, 2015 6:44 p.m. ET

foxsports

By Tim Weaver

According to the Seattle Seahawks’ official twitter account, defensive lineman Jesse Williams has been diagnosed with Papillary cancer and needs to undergo kidney surgery.

Here’s what Williams had to say, per a statement on the team’s website:

“Although disappointing, I am a fighter and will handle this," Williams wrote. "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!”

Williams was drafted by Seattle in the fifth round of the 2013 draft, but he has yet to play in a game. Knee injuries have kept him out of action over the past two seasons.

Hopefully one day Williams will get to see the field, but his health is obviously more important than football. Our thoughts and prayers are with Williams and his family at this time.

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