David Quessenberry, free of cancer, isn’t taking anything for granted, including his job.
With cancer gone, OL happy to keep focus primarily on football
Breaking out of the huddle with a hand clap in unison with his fellow blockers, Texans guard David Quessenberry hustled to the line of scrimmage.
Squaring off with defenders out of his stance, Quessenberry delivered a big hand punch and drove his legs as he fired off at the snap.
It was the well-practiced motion of his trade. And it was also another building block of a foundation the 27-year-old has been working on for four years.
Since being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin T Lymphoblastic Lymphoma on June 10, 2014, Quessenberry has completed his inspirational comeback from cancer.
“I’m very grateful,” Quessenberry said. “Every day is a blessing. Physically and mentally, I’m in a good place. Spiritually, I’m strong. It’s beautiful to be back out here. It’s nice to be back out here playing football.”
Long road to recovery
Quessenberry is celebrating another year free from cancer. No more IV drips, no more medical problems. Just a singular focus on football.
The former sixth-round draft pick from San Jose State was diagnosed when he had trouble breathing at a minicamp in 2014 and doctors discovered fluid in his right lung and a left lung that wasn’t working properly.
Quessenberry never stopped fighting. And he eventually regained the 70 pounds he lost while undergoing chemotherapy at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Now, the 6-5, 307-pound native of La Jolla, Calif., can be a football player again.
“I feel great,” Quessenberry said. “This whole offseason was clean, no chemo. I’m just enjoying playing. It’s hard to describe the feeling … to have a whole offseason with no chemotherapy. I feel strong, and I’m getting stronger.”
When Quessenberry lined up as an extra blocker against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, it completed an emotional win over cancer.
He made his regular-season debut against the Steelers in December after being promoted to the active roster from the practice squad.
He was named a game captain. “It’s a great story about David,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “David’s an example of a guy that really everybody should look up to, a guy that tries to earn it every day, has come back from a really bad form of cancer, fought. Just a great guy to have on our roster right now.”
Quessenberry doesn’t take that status for granted. If you’re not a starter, you’re never really guaranteed inclusion on the 53-man roster. He is listed as the backup left guard behind Senio Kelemete on the depth chart.
“I never want to leave the Texans,” Quessenberry said. “This is my team.”
During the joint practices last week with the San Francisco 49ers, Quessenberry spent time with former Indianapolis Colts coach and cancer survivor Chuck Pagano, who was supportive of Quessenberry, reaching out to him during his battle with the disease.
So far in camp, Quessenberry has looked good.
“I’m just continuing to show that I’m ready and back and good to go,” he said. “I’m strong, explosive and fast — all the things that make a great offensive lineman in this league.”
Lending support to Hal
Quessenberry has been providing his emotional support and perspective to Texans safety Andre Hal, who was diagnosed with lymphoma this spring and is undergoing treatment at MD Anderson.
“Andre knows my experience and knows he’s in my prayers and thoughts,” Quessenberry said. “He’s going to be all right. He’s a tough guy.”
For Quessenberry, this is the latest step in his journey back from cancer. He’s excited about the Texans’ overhauled offensive line and eager to play in meaningful games.
“I’m very grateful to be here,” he said. “Every day, I wake up, and I want to put that work in. This is why we play the game. I’m coming out here and trying to help this team win a championship.”