Offensive lineman David Quessenberry finished chemo in April, and he was back on the field with the Texans for OTAs in May. Now he’s earned some well-deserved recognition for his triumph over lymphoma from the Pro Football Writers of America as the recipient of the 2017 George Halas Award.
Texans OL David Quessenberry wins 2017 George Halas Award after overcoming 3-year cancer battle
It’s well-deserved recognition.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jeanna Kelley has been covering the Falcons for The Falcoholic since 2011 and the NFL for SB Nation since 2015.
The Halas Award goes to the NFL player who overcame the most adversity. Quessenberry overcame a three-year battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Quessenberry was diagnosed in June 2014, and he spent three entire seasons on the team’s reserve/non-football illness list while he battled the disease. He was declared cancer-free in April, and he was so enthusiastic that he broke the celebratory bell he rang at the end of his treatment:
During his fight with lymphoma, Quessenberry still attended team meetings and studied film with his teammates. When he did return to the field in May, his teammate J.J. Watt said it was “the best story of OTAs.”
Quessenberry said the award also recognizes “everyone who helped me get back to playing football.”
The next step for Quessenberry is getting on the field on game days.
“That’s what they’re working on right now,” Quessenberry said via the team’s website. “We’re in uncharted territory, I guess. Nobody’s ever gone (through) what I’ve gone through specifically, so they’re working as we go. But I feel great and it will be very soon where I can play.”
Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry was last year’s Halas Award winner. He was recognized for his successful fight against Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The other players nominated for the 2017 Halas Award were Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, former Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta, and Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake.
Pierre-Paul had seven sacks and three forced fumbles last season after sustaining serious damage to his hand in a fireworks accident. Pitta overcame a hip injury to return to the field for all 16 games with Baltimore last season, contributing 729 yards and two touchdowns. Wake tore his Achilles in 2015, and last season, he had 11.5 sacks, an interception, and five forced fumbles. Tom Brady overcame being suspended for his role in Deflategate, apparently.
Except for Brady’s, those stories are impressive. But winning a three-year battle with cancer, as Quessenberry did, certainly warrants this kind of recognition.
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