Mitchell Meyers, Iowa State Defensive Lineman, Diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Iowa State head football coach Paul Rhoads announced Thursday that defensive lineman Mitchell Meyers has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Cyclones.com had the news in an official release, which included comments from Rhoads.
"Mitchell's immediate health is our most important concern right now," said Rhoads. "I have no doubt that Mitchell will attack this with a positive mindset and strong determination. He also will have 100 percent support from the Iowa State football family and Cyclone Nation."
Iowa State tight end E.J. Bibbs and defensive graduate assistant Derek Hoodjer expressed support for Meyers:
"My bro @mitchell_meyers who's batting Lymphoma. I know you will when the fight without a doubt . Love you bro pic.twitter.com/ZQYkupiMmi
— EJ BIBBS (@EjbibbsGLA) February 12, 2015"
Meyers expressed gratitude for those who had reached out to him:
"I want to thank everyone for the support and encouragement I have received. I am determined to embrace the process and fight this with a positive attitude. I have decided to stay here in Ames for my treatments so I can remain in school and be around my teammates. I have the greatest teammates in the world. It's been humbling to see their care and words of encouragement. I would love to be able to play football at Iowa State again, but right now my focus is on my health.
"
An encouraging diagnosis from Iowa State team physician Dr. Marc Shulman indicated that Meyers' condition is in a treatable stage, with a 90 percent curing rate. Shulman added Meyers has commenced chemotherapy treatment already.
The Mayo Clinic explains that Hodgkin's Lymphoma is the less common of two types of lymphatic system cancer, which impacts the immune system. It also notes that advanced treatments and diagnosis have made full recovery rates higher.
Meyers is a rising redshirt junior from The Woodlands, Texas, who thrives on the gridiron as well as in the classroom. He has been named an academic All-Big 12 selection for two years running as a supply chain management major (h/t Cyclones.com).
The 6'4", 262-pound Meyers has shown the versatility to play inside and outside along the Cyclones' defensive front, racking up 30 total tackles in 2014.
As Rhoads and Meyers mentioned, Meyers' health is the chief concern before any future football implications can be surmised.
