24-year-old Australian Australian native and NFL player Jesse Williams, of the Seattle Seahawks, has been diagnosed with cancer.
In a statement released today, the Seattle Seahawks announced that Williams will undergo kidney surgery after being diagnosed with “papillary type 2 cancer”.
“Although disappointing, I am a fighter and will handle this. 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 said in a statement.
“Jesse is an extraordinarily tough individual who has overcome a great deal in his life and we will support him in any way possible,” added Seattle’s General Manager John Schneider. “He is in our thoughts and prayers.”
Reprts Yahoo, Williams was born in Australia and after moving to the US signed a scholarship to play at Arizona Western College. In the 2013 draft he was picked in the fifth round for the Seahawks, but has yet to see the field for the Seattle team due to various knee injuries. Still, he is the first Australian ever to have been a part of a winning Super Bowl team.
“Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men,” he posted to Instagram today. “Appreciate the Support From all Over the World! Ready for What’s Coming, Recovery is up next..#MonstarStrong”
