New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The news was revealed at a Friday morning press conference by Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel.
'This week is Crucial Catch. Unfortunately, I have to tell you that Terrell Williams was determined to have prostate cancer and is in the process of treatment and meeting with specialists and figuring out the best plan of attack to be able to attack this and heal it and fix it and allow him to get get back to better health,' Vrabel told reporters.
'You know how much Terrell means to me personally and to the people on this football team.
'Again, we want to send our regards and just publicly let everybody know that's what he's dealing with.
'When he's ready to talk, he'll talk on his behalf. But I wanted to let you know that's what was going on.'
Vrabel told reporters that inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr will remain lead defensive play caller and that defensive assistant Vinny DePalma will continue coaching Kuhr's unit in his stead.
Vrabel concluded, 'Again, really comfortable with where we're at and how we're operating.
'But just our thoughts and prayers - and T knows all this, we talk all the time, but just that are with him. His family has been through a lot, and we care about him.'
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