WATCH: Deion Sanders consoles Colorado DL Nikhil Webb Walker on Lymphoma diagnosis after meeting room speech
Deion Sanders delivers emotional speech about cancer
Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders delivered an emotional speech about cancer after learning that one of his players, Colorado defensive lineman Nikhil Webb-Walker, had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
In a video posted to social media, Sanders can be seen speaking to his team about the importance of fighting through adversity.
Coach Sanders prays for Nikhil Webb-Walker
"Cancer," Sanders said. "Cancer is a disease that affects all of us. It doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care who you are, where you come from, or what you do. It can strike anyone, at any time."
Sanders went on to say that he was praying for Webb-Walker and his family.
"I'm praying for Nikhil," Sanders said. "I'm praying for his family. I'm praying for all of those who are fighting cancer. I know that this is a tough time, but I want you to know that you are not alone."
Sanders' speech was met with applause from his team.
Webb-Walker was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in January 2023. He has since undergone chemotherapy treatment.
In a statement released through the university, Webb-Walker said that he is "determined to beat this disease."
"I want to thank Coach Sanders and my teammates for their support," Webb-Walker said. "I know that I have a tough road ahead of me, but I am confident that I will be able to overcome this."
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and nodes that helps the body fight infection.
The most common symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Bruising
- Bleeding
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is treated with a variety of methods, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
The prognosis for non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis.
The five-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 70%.
If you have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it is important to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
