Jesse Williams’ Cancer: Seahawks DT Has Cancer
Seahawks’ DT has cancer. Jesse Williams’ cancer diagnosis was revealed when he, and his team, released a statement on their website on Monday, May 18.
“Although disappointing, I am a fighter and will handle this,” Jesse 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!”
“Jesse is an extraordinarily tough individual who has overcome a great deal in his life and we will support him in any way possible,” Seahawks General Manager John Schneider said. “He is in our thoughts and prayers.”
The Seahawks drafted Williams in 2013. However, due to a series of knee injuries, Williams has yet to play in a NFL game. Now, the defensive lineman is facing a far more serious medical condition, as he was diagnosed with papillary Type 2 cancer. According to MSN Sports, Jesse will have to undergo kidney surgery to treat the disease.
Williams took to his Instagram account to show his strength during this ordeal.
“Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men,” he captioned a photo of him running on the field, wearing a Seattle Seahawks cut-off shirt. “Appreciate the Support From all Over the World! Ready for What’s Coming, Recovery is up next.. #MonstarStrong.”
“I Ask Not for a Lighter Burden, but for Broader Shoulders,” he captioned another photo. “#FOE #MonstarStrong
Don’t Count me out, I Didn’t Come This Far and Push Myself to a Come back from Previous Injuries to Let This a Stop Me. I’ll Be Right Back.”
Williams, a native of Brisbane, Australia, played two seasons at Alabama after transferring from Arizona Western College. The 6-4, 320-pound defensive tackle earned the nickname the “Monstar” while starting 25 games in Tuscaloosa, according to the Washington Post. The Seahaws drafted Williams in the fifth round, and as a member of the team, he became the first Australian player to win a Super Bowl ring in 2013.
Williams is currently expecting his first child, a son, with his fiancée, Sarah Lawrence. Lawrence shared a message in regards to Williams on her social media account.
“I am so blessed for this man in my life,” she wrote. “I have no doubt he will overcome this. Thank you for all the kind words, it’s been truly overwhelming.”
[Photo by Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images]
