Colorado DL Walker tells team he has lymphoma

Former Rams standout has surgery, begins treatment

Walker spent his first NFL season with the Rams in 2021

Former Colorado defensive lineman Jalen Walker has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, and is currently undergoing treatment.

Walker, who spent his first NFL season with the Rams in 2021, shared the news with his team on Monday.

The 24-year-old Walker had surgery to remove a tumor from his chest last week and is now undergoing chemotherapy.

In a statement, Walker said he is "committed to fighting this disease and getting back on the field as soon as possible."

"I appreciate all the love and support I have received from my family, friends, and the Rams organization," Walker said. "I know I have a tough road ahead of me, but I am confident that I will beat this."

Walker was a standout player at Colorado, where he was a two-time All-Pac-12 selection.

He was drafted by the Rams in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft and played in 13 games as a rookie.

The Rams released a statement saying they are "heartbroken" by Walker's diagnosis.

"Jalen is a tough and determined young man, and we know he will face this challenge with the same courage and determination he shows on the field," the Rams said. "We are committed to supporting Jalen and his family in any way we can."

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell.

According to the American Cancer Society, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the seventh most common cancer in the United States, with about 80,000 new cases diagnosed each year.

The five-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is about 70%.