Texans Safety Andre Hal Diagnosed With Hodgkin Lymphoma

The Houston Texans have announced that safety Andre Hal has been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. The initial diagnosis was made by team doctor James Muntz, and further consultations with other medical professionals at MD Anderson Cancer Center confirmed it on Friday. Hal has now started treatment.

Hal issued a statement in which he expressed his determination to beat his illness. “I will not let this diagnosis stop me from fulfilling my dreams and I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me,” Hal said. “I know how to beat this and I will beat it.”

Hal has had a consistent presence on the Texans defense throughout most of his career with the team. Over his 4-year career, Hal has started at safety 38 times for Houston, including all 16 games in 2017. He has recorded 122 tackles and 9 interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown in 2015. Hal also forced a pair of fumbles in 2017.

The Texans personal has made it clear that they will be supporting Hal throughout his entire endeavor, with several of his teammates taking to Twitter to show their love for their starting safety.

Texans head coach Bill O’Brien issued an official statement in which he praised Hal has being exactly what anybody could have asked for out of a football player, saying, “Andre epitomizes what it means to be a Houston Texan through his leadership, community involvement and team-first attitude.” He later concluded with, “The entire Texans organization is behind Andre and his family during this difficult time and we look forward to his eventual return to the team.”

Hal immediately started treatment in an effort to take down his Hodgkin Lymphoma as quickly as possible. While it will derail his hopes of playing in the 2018-19, what’s most important is that he is able to beat the disease and have as successful a recovery as possible.