David Quessenberry is fighting lymphoma, but he's not going it alone.
Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said Tuesday in a meeting with the Houston media, that he and the team are unified in their support of the second-year offensive lineman.
"From our staff, and our team, to David and his family, we're all in his corner," O'Brien said. "We look forward to the day that he beats it and returns to the Houston Texans."
The team released a statement Tuesday morning about Quessenberry's illness.
Quessenberry is currently being treated for the illness through M.D. Anderson hospital in Houston, and O'Brien mentioned that he'd visited with Quessenberry. He also thinks highly of the San Jose-ex.
"The one thing that's stood out to me personally, and our coaching staff, is what an impressive man this guy is," O'Brien said. "He's a guy that wanted his team to know right away that he was going to fight this thing and he was going to beat it. And we know that he's going to do that."
Left tackle Duane Brown admitted that the news of Quessenberry's lymphoma diagnosis "definitely hit home, and it brings you back to reality". But the veteran lineman's spirits were bolstered after catching up with Quessenberry, who's current attitude mirrors his demeanor on the field.
"From the day he got here, he's one of those guys that's just very fiery," Brown said. "He loves to be in there. He loves the physical contact. He loves the violence of the game. When I got a chance to visit with him, he never lost that attitude."
Center Chris Myers echoed Brown's sentiments.
"Whatever he needs from us, we're going to be there for him," Myers said. "He told us, 'Just go about your daily life, and I'm going to beat this thiing.' He's got a real positive attitude about it."
Quessenberry was competing at right tackle primarily, and had drawn praise from O'Brien during OTAs. Brown said Quessenberry's setback will help serve as a motivation for the team.
"He's been battling for a starting job," Brown said. "Now we all have to step up our level of play to rise to the challenge. That's one less warrior that we have out there with us."
