EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze has a form of leukemia, which is cancer of the blood and bone marrow, a person with the team confirmed Tuesday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information. The Vikings declined to comment, but they issued a statement from coach Brad Childress that didn’t specifically address Udeze’s condition.
“We respect the privacy of Kenechi. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Minnesota Vikings organization are with Kenechi and his family,” the statement read.
Without details about how quickly the cancer was identified or what form of leukemia Udeze has, there is no way of knowing a prognosis.
Generally, it’s a serious disease that can be fatal. The upcoming season is in question for the 24-year-old Udeze, who was drafted out of Southern California in the first round in 2004.
