Texans starter diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma
Cancer doesn’t care who you are or what you do for a living.
The NFL once again learned that lesson earlier this week, when Giants general manager Dave Gettleman announced that he had lymphoma.
Friday came yet another stunning reminder, this time with a player.
Houston Texans free safety Andre Hal shared that he’s been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.
The 26-year-old learned of the diagnosis from the team physician. He is now consulting with the MD Anderson Cancer Center and will undergo further testing.
Hal, who started all 16 games for the Texans last season, released a statement Friday.
“My faith in God and the support from my family, friends, teammates and coaches will see me through this difficult time,” he said. “I will not let this diagnosis stop me from fulfilling my dreams and I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me. I know how to beat this and I will beat it.”
Houston Texans S Andre Hal has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.#HopeAndLove
Full press release: https://t.co/k6oO4jVHqQ pic.twitter.com/d9AQiCwIA1
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) June 8, 2018
Hal had four interceptions last season, and signed a three-year, $15 million extension this offseason.
Houston head coach Bill O’Brien made it clear that the organization has been shaken.
From Bill O'Brien "The news of Andre Hal's diagnosis weighs heavily on the hearts of everyone in the . . . organization. Andre epitomizes what it means to be a Houston Texan through his leadership, community involvement and team-first attitude."
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) June 8, 2018
Perhaps nobody can relate to Hal’s plight better than Texans offensive lineman David Quessenberry, who won his battle with non-Hodgkin T-lymphoblastic lymphoma to play in his first game last season.
Hal’s teammate reached out to show his support.
“It’s a shock and a terrible thing to go through, but he’s a fighter,” Quessenberry said, according to the Houston Chronicle. “He’s tough. He’s going to give it (lymphoma) hell, beat it and come back to play the game he loves.”
O’Brien echoed the sentiment.
“We are confident that Andre’s resiliency and infectious positivity, along with treatment and care from the best medical community in the world, will guide him through his recovery,” the coach said. “The entire Texans organization is behind Andre and his family during this difficult time and we look forward to his eventual return to the team.”
For Texans fans and non-fans alike, we hope everyone is right.
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