Texans safety Andre Hal diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Andre Hal signed a three-year, $15 million deal with the Texans in August.
Houston Texans safety Andre Hal has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a form of cancer that affect white blood cells, the team announced Friday.
Hal, 26, has been the Texans’ starting free safety for the last three seasons after joining the team as a seventh-round pick in 2014. He signed a three-year, $15 million extension with the Texans last August.
“My faith in God and the support from my family, friends, teammates and coaches will see me through this difficult time,” Hal said in a statement. “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.”
The owners of the Texans, and coach Bill O’Brien released statements, as well.
Statement from The McNair Family: pic.twitter.com/QxHicXvmsO
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) June 8, 2018
Statement from Houston Texans Head Coach Bill O’Brien: pic.twitter.com/gqZYXzWqJi
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) June 8, 2018
Hal’s Texans teammates also voiced their support.
One of the best in the business in and off the field. A truly great man, teammate and friend. We’ll be with you every step of the way brother.@Drehal29 https://t.co/j78RjqDtbB
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) June 8, 2018
Much love to the big bro Dre. We are behind you 1000% @Drehal29
— kyle fuller (@Cudi_K) June 8, 2018
Dre is one of the most positive and best teammates I’ve ever been around. He’s a man of God and strong in his faith, I know he’ll win this battle https://t.co/Jk3yxDE0nL
— Jeff Allen (@JeffAllen71) June 8, 2018
Former teammate Duane Brown, who’s now with the Seahawks, also passed along words of encouragement:
Praying for my dawg @Drehal29. A solid man on and off the field. Works as hard as anyone I've ever met. You will beat this bro! Much love
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) June 8, 2018
Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry and Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner were diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and have since returned. Berry was diagnosed in December 2014 and returned to earn Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2015. Conner was diagnosed as a junior at the University of Pittsburgh and returned as a senior.
Hal’s teammate in Houston, David Quessenberry, was diagnosed with non-Hogkin’s lymphoma in 2014 and rejoined the Texans in 2017.
G David Quessenberry, who beat non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, on Andre Hal "It's a shock and a terrible thing to go through, but he's a fighter. He's tough. He's going to give it (lymphoma) hell, beat it and come back to play the game he loves."
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) June 8, 2018
The Texans say Hal is currently discussing his treatment options and is continuing to undergo testing and evaluation.