Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman Nikhil Webb Walker has disclosed a worrying diagnosis following his transfer to Boulder this year.
The Jamaican sophomore made an announcement during a team meeting filmed by ‘Well Off Media this week, noting he sought medical attention after discovering a bump in his chest and has since been diagnosed with lymphoma.
The disease is a type of blood cancer that weakens the immune system, as it attacks white blood cells. Walker is now set to undergo chemotherapy, with doctors having told him that the disease is “very treatable.”
“So that’s I’ve been going through, and that’s why a lot of you haven’t seen me,” he said. “I’ve tried to keep it under the wraps, because I don’t want to be a distraction to the team. I want to see how you all boys do, what you all do, and just keep winning — conference championship, bowl game, national championship. That’s why I’ve kept it under wraps.
“Just being here, just, like, helped me with the whole process and really just deal with it. I say thank you all boys because you all made it easier on me even though it’s tough.”
Nikhil Webb Walker Embraced By Deion Sanders
Walker transferred from New Mexico State during the offseason but has seen his sophomore campaign derailed by the diagnosis.
Head coach Deion Sanders had encouraging words for the player, letting him know he was appreciated before embracing him while his teammates clapped.
“First of all, you’re never a distraction,” Coach Prime declared. “You’re a blessing, and you allow us to understand what life really is. … What you’re dealing with is real, and the way you dealt with it has been just admirable. We love you. We appreciate you. We’re here for you.”
Meanwhile, the Buffs are set to host the Cincinnati Bearcats at Folsom Field this Saturday. At 5-2, a win would guarantee them a bowl game.
