Patriots DC Terrell Williams diagnosed with prostate cancer

New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, coach Mike Vrabel announced Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. Williams, 51, has begun meeting with specialists and has started treatment, Vrabel said, and has been away from the team since Sept. 10 while medical decisions are being made. Inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr has been handling defensive playcalling and will continue to do so in Williams absence.

"I unfortunately have to tell you that Terrell Williams was determined to have prostate cancer, and is in the process of treatment, meeting with specialists, and figuring out the best plan of attack to be able to attack this, heal it, fix it, and allow him to get back to better health," Vrabel said during a morning news conference. He added that the announcement was being made publicly during the NFL's Crucial Catch awareness week to explain why Williams is not at his regular duties and to allow Williams to speak for himself when he is ready.

The diagnosis comes after a season of intermittent health issues for Williams. He stepped away from the Patriots in the spring to address a serious medical matter, returned to work, and then...