Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, who turned 73 last September, announced he is battling prostate cancer.
Blank addressed his health in a statement released Tuesday afternoon.
"In December, I was diagnosed with a treatable form of prostate cancer," he said. "Over the last several weeks, Angie and I have visited a number of expert doctors and hospitals across the country to identify the best treatment options for me. I have chosen an aggressive approach that will include surgery, and the overall prognosis is good. I'm looking forward to getting this behind me and continuing a very active lifestyle, my upcoming wedding, as well as continued active involvement in our businesses and philanthropic efforts for years to come.''
The plan right now is for Blank to attend the annual owners meetings in Boca Raton (March 20-23) and the Spring meetings in Charlotte (May 23-25), where the Super Bowl bids for 2019 and 2020 will be chosen -- with Atlanta in mix.
Veteran wide receiver Roddy White was caught off guard by the news but was pleased to learn of Blank's positive outlook.
"Thank God, because I love that man," White told ESPN.com. "He changed my life. I'm praying for a speedy recovery."
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan also had Blank in his thoughts on Tuesday.
Former Falcon DeAngelo Hall tweeted his well wishes to Blank.
Prayers go out to the @AtlantaFalcons and owner Arthur Blank. Keep Fighting we know you can beat this. #BlankStrong
— DeAngelo Hall (@DeAngeloHall23) February 9, 2016
Blank bought the Falcons in 2002. He and the organization are in the process of building the $1.4 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium, set to open in the summer of 2017.
"With the entire franchise, [Blank] has put his heart and soul into it," Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said recently. "He'll do anything to win. And he hasn't spared the rod on that stadium. He has, just every step of the way, expanded the scope of it by making it just as good as good can be. I'm very proud to have him as an owner in the league."