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Jesse Williams, Seattle Seahawks Player, Diagnosed With Kidney Cancer

Jesse Williams
Seattle Seahawks player Jesse Williams has been diagnosed with kidney cancer

Staying positive. Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jesse Williams announced on Monday, May 18, that he's been diagnosed with papillary Type 2 cancer and will be undergoing kidney surgery.

"Although disappointing, I am a fighter and will handle this," Williams, 24, said in a statement, via NBC Sports. "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!"

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Seahawks General Manager John Schneider added: "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."

The Australian native played at Arizona Western College before being drafted in Alabama in 2013. He's yet to play the field as a Seahawk because of knee injuries.

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Williams has a tough road ahead of him, but is thankful for the overwhelming well-wishes he's received so far. "Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men," he captioned an Instagram pic of himself running on Monday. "Appreciate the Support From all Over the World! Ready for What's Coming, Recovery is up next.. #MonstarStrong."

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