RENTON, Wash. -- 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 said he is going to focus on his health and is "fighting this battle with a return to football as my ultimate goal."
He also said thanks for the support he has received in a post on Instagram.
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 said 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. He has been plagued by knee injuries and is still awaiting his NFL debut.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.