Seattle Seahawks defensive tackler to have surgery after cancer diagnosis

Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jesse Williams will undergo kidney surgery after being diagnosed with cancer, the team announced on Monday.

Williams, 24, has papillary Type 2 renal cancer, according to a brief release from the team.

The player released a statement that read: "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!"

Australian Williams played two years of junior college football at Arizona Western and two more at Alabama, where he opened enough eyes to be selected by the Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft.

He has spent both of his NFL seasons on injured reserve, suffering knee injuries.

The Seahawks waived him in March but brought him back weeks later.

"Jesse is an extraordinarily tough individual who has overcome a great deal in his life and we will support him in any way possible," Seahawks general manager John Schneider said in a statement.

"He is in our thoughts and prayers.