Seahawks’ Reserve DT Williams to Undergo Surgery for Kidney Cancer

RENTON (AP) — Seattle Seahawks reserve defensive tackle Jesse Williams will undergo kidney surgery after being diagnosed with cancer.

The team announced Williams' diagnosis of papillary type 2 cancer Monday but did not provide details. In a statement, Williams says he is going to focus on his health and, "fighting this battle with a return to football as my ultimate goal."

According to statistics from the American Cancer Society, the average age of people diagnosed with kidney cancer is 64 and kidney cancer for those under age 45 is rare. Williams is 24.

General manager John Schneider says Williams has overcome "a great deal in his life and we will support him in any way possible."

Williams was taken by Seattle in the fifth round of the 2013 draft out of Alabama but he's been plagued by knee injuries and is still awaiting his NFL debut.