Pro Bowler blames cancer scare for rift
Seven-time Pro Bowl tackle Trent Williams on Thursday revealed a cancer diagnosis that played a part in his lengthy holdout and distrust of Washington’s medical staff and the organization.
Williams said he told the team of the medical issue six years ago, and the growth on his head grew substantially over time. The 31-year-old said he had a tumor removed from his skull and needs to get checked out every six months to make sure he’s OK.
“I almost lost my life. Seriously, I almost lost my life,” Williams added. “You’re 30 and coming off seven straight Pro Bowls and a doctor tells you to get your affairs in order. It’s not going to sit well with you. It still doesn’t. It’s a scary thing to go through. Think how you describe to your 9-yearold, your 5-year old that Daddy might not be here. It’s tough.”
He made clear his relationship with the organization, specifically team president Bruce Allen ,is strained. “No, there’s no trust there,” Williams said.
The team later Thursday released a statement saying it has requested the NFL Management Council convene a joint committee with the Players Association to review Williams’ medical records and the care given to him.
In other news:
• Wide receiver Josh Gordon, out with a left knee injury, is being released off injured reserve by the New England Patriots, ESPN reported.
• The New York Jets said rookie linebacker Blake Cashman will miss the rest of the season because of a shoulder injury.