Udeze Retires, Ends Comeback from Leukemia
Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze has retired today, ending a potential comeback after beating leukemia.
“I would like to thank the Wilf family and the Minnesota Vikings organization for their support,” Udeze said in a prepared statement. “I would also like to thank my fans, friends and family for supporting me through everything. Last but not least, I would like to thank all of the medical professionals and staff in Minnesota who worked tirelessly to give me a second chance at life. God bless.”
I have personal experience with leukemia. My father was diagnosed with leukemia about 4 years ago. Thankfully, he is in complete remission. But seeing him weakened after the disease (although now he is at full strength) makes the possibility for someone to play football after the disease so unlikely. This high octane sport does not seem fit for leukemia survivors. However, Udeze sought to prove us wrong. And he almost did. He was diagnosed in February of '08. Amazingly, he almost made it back a year and half later. I'm proud of Udeze. I know my father will be proud of Udeze. Even though he didn't reach the ultimate goal of playing again, I have to commend him for trying. I have to commend him for a beating an insidious disease. I have to commend him for being classy throughout the whole process. Whenever I hear someone has leukemia, I always think back to the day my father was diagnosed. I always think back to the sinking feeling in my heart. I always think back to the day my father came home from the hospital. I always think back to the day we found out he was in remission. So I can't help think of what Udeze and his family went though. The incredible lows. The awesome highs of recovery. Good luck, Kenechi Udeze. May you move forward from this disease, and not let it define you. My father wouldn't want you too. Neither would I.
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