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Summary
- Colorado defenseman Nikhil Webb Walker has lymphoma.
- Diagnosis was communicated to the team in an emotional meeting.
- Coach Sanders and team show full support.
- Buffaloes are close to bowl qualification.
Colorado Buffaloes Defensive Lineman Nikhil Webb Walker announced to his team this week that he has been diagnosed with lymphoma. This devastating news shines a spotlight on the human side of sport and shows how athletes face difficult challenges off the field.
Bold revelation to the team.
The announcement was made during a team meeting hosted by “Well Off Media” was filmed and released on Friday. Walker, a sophomore from Jamaica, described discovering a lump in his breast one morning. After initial hesitation, he contacted the team doctors, whose biopsy ultimately revealed the diagnosis of lymphoma.
Lymphoma are usually malignant tumors of the lymphatic system. The colloquial term is lymphatic cancer. The word lymphoma literally means “swelling of the lymph node”.
Nikhil Webb Walker: Hope despite difficult diagnosis.
Despite the serious situation, Walker was combative. He emphasized that doctors consider the disease to be “very treatable”. He justified his decision to initially keep the diagnosis to himself by not wanting to be a distraction for the team: “I wanted to see you guys do what you do and just keep winning – conference championship, bowl game, national championship.”
Support from coach and team.
Head Coach Deion Sanders responded to Walker’s revelation with moving words: “First, you are never a distraction. You are a blessing and allow us to understand what life really is. …What you’re going through is real, and the way you’ve handled it is admirable. We love you. We value you. We are here for you.”
The scene in which Sanders hugs Walker and the team applauds underlines the strong solidarity within the team.
Buffaloes on the rise.
In terms of sport, the Colorado Buffaloes are on course towards bowl qualification with a 5-2 record. Only one win is needed to secure participation. They host the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field on Saturday evening.
Walker’s battle with cancer will undoubtedly be an additional motivation for the team. His openness and courage in the face of this challenge are an inspiring example of strength and solidarity in sport and beyond.
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