Texans’ David Quessenberry diagnosed with cancer, teammates rally to support

Texans offensive tackle David Quessenberry has been diagnosed with lymphoma and has been placed on the NFL’s Non-Football Illness List.

According to a release from the Texans, Quessenberry experienced fatigue and persistent coughing over the past week and sought a medical evaluation to find the cause. The sixth-round pick was diagnosed and is being treated through M.D. Anderson Hospital.

"I'm gonna kick the crap outta this thing and come back even stronger! I will win this fight," Quessenberry told CSN Houston. "Just know I'll be back out there killing it before you know it."

Quessenberry felt faint during practice on June 3 and went to the hospital that day to get checked out, his agent Chase Callahan said. Quessenberry began chemotherapy this past Friday. 

“Our medical community here in Houston is the best in the world,” Texans general manager Rick Smith said. “We are extremely confident in the care and treatment David will receive.  He is a fighter and a courageous young man and we look forward to his full and complete recovery. We will continue to support him and his family and look forward to his return to the team."

Speculation heading into OTAs was that the second-year tackle was going to compete for a starting job on the Texans offensive line. Possibly competing with Derek Newton for the right tackle spot.

Quessenberry was drafted by the Texans with the eighth pick of the sixth round in 2013. After showing promise in training camp and versatility by playing and learning multiple offensive line positions as just a rookie, Quessenberry was placed on season ending IR on Sept. 10, 2013 after suffering a foot injury.

Quessenberry’s brother Scott currently plays at UCLA on the offensive line and actually lined up next to Texans second round pick Xavier Su’a-Filo all of last season. Quessenberry himself wasn’t highly recruited, but eventually was named one of three finalists for the 2012 Burlsworth Trophy, which honors the top Football Bowl Subdivision player that began his career as a non-scholarship player.

After the announcement by the team, Rep 1 Sports, which represents Quessenberry, released this statement:

"It is with a heavy heart that we must announce that a member of our REP 1 Family has been diagnosed with Lymphoma. Houston Texans 23-year-old offensive lineman, David Quessenberry, will be leaving the game for an extended period of time while he undergoes treatment for Non-Hodgkins T Lymphoblastic Lymphoma.

"David was diagnosed with the illness last Tuesday. He believed he had been suffering from a chest cold when he experienced shortness of breath at a Texans practice on June 3rd. David was admitted to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston later that day, where he immediately began treatment that evening.

"The goal of David's treatment is to cure the disease, so he can return to the life that he has worked so hard to earn. David is extremely positive and determined to win this fight against cancer. Our love for David is strong and we are praying for him and his family during this difficult time. All of your positive thoughts and prayers for David are encouraged and appreciated."

-- James Palmer, CSN Houston