"Best of luck to him man cancer is a b***h": NFL fans send prayers as Patriots DC diagnosed with prostate cancer

The New England Patriots fans were heartbroken on Friday after the team shared the news that defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel broke the news in a press conference ahead of their Week 4 matchup. Vrabel confirmed that Williams is working on treatment plans with doctors.

"[He] is in the process of treatment, 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 back to better health," Vrabel said.

Fans reacted to the news, wishing a speedy recovery for the 51-year-old.

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"Best of luck to him man cancer is a b***h."

"Football is big, but health is bigger 🙏 Hoping Coach Williams beats this and comes back stronger. 💪"

"Expecting a new report in his favor. Well-wishes....."

"Fu** cancer. Keeping him and his family in my thoughts. Full recovery! 🙏

Williams had missed the time before their Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins due to health problems. Linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who filled in for Williams earlier this month, will continue in his role after the latest health update on the defensive coordinator.

Patriots coach Mike Vrabel shared his thoughts on Terrell Williams' cancer diagnosis

Mike Vrabel and Terrell Williams have been close since their time together at the Tennessee Titans. Williams worked with Vrabel's staff in Tennessee from 2018 to 2023 and reunited with him at Patriots earlier this year.

"You know how much Terrell means to me personally and to the people on this football team, so we want to send our regards and publicly let everybody know that's what he's dealing with," Vrabel said.

"Our thoughts and our prayers -- and he knows this because we talk all the time -- are with him and his family. He's been through a lot. We care about him."

Williams' health issues started earlier this year after he disclosed he had a "wake-up call" during rookie minicamp in May. He collapsed during a preseason training camp in August and took a medical leave earlier this month.

About the author

Chaitanya Prakash is an editor who covers US Sports at Sportskeeda. His first brush with sportswriting was in 2012 when the greatest football manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson, bid farewell to the beautiful game.

Although having started out professionally as a cricket writer in 2022, Chaitanya's curiosity and indiscriminate interest in all sports in general eventually introduced him to America's favorite pastime.

While Chaitanya's favorite player from the current crop is the dynamic Venezuelan Ronald Acuna Jr., his all-time favorite, however, is Pedro Martinez, for his self-belief and consistency. He also rates Jose Bautista's iconic bat flip in 2015 as his favorite moment in baseball history.

Chaitanya specializes in reporting on technical aspects of the game or analyzing patterns behind specific plays. He also likes pondering over players' self-assessments following the conclusion of a game as it helps him get an idea of how they think about the sport in general.

When not cheering for his favorites across sports, Chaitanya likes being transported to the past through a good war documentary or a historical documentary in general.

Know More

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Edited by Chaitanya Prakash