Udeze Diagnosed with Leukemia

The Vikings family received a horrible blow this week as it learned that Kenechi Udeze is undergoing tests after being diagnosed with leukemia, a form of a cancer that begins in the bone marrow and affects one's blood.

Cancer news is never good. But when it comes to a young person, much less a professional athlete, it is even more tragic.

Reports coming out of the Twin Cities state that Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze is battling leukemia, a difficult form of cancer of the blood that begins in the bone marrow. Initial testing is being done to determine the severity of the cancer and what kind of treatment options are going to be available. It is expected to take several weeks to determine how severe the cancer is and what the plan of attack will be.

Reports from KSTP and KMSP TV say that Udeze is getting tests done at Fairview Southdale Hospital and was at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester last week.

When contacted by VU Tuesday morning, public relations director Bob Hagan read the following statement from head coach Brad Childress:

"With reports surfacing about Kenechi Udeze’s condition, we respect the privacy of Kenechi," Childress said in the statement read to VU. "The thoughts and prayers of the entire Minnesota Vikings organization are with Kenechi and his family."

Clearly this story is going to be something that will be followed by Viking Update and, as more information becomes available, we will pass it along to you.