Iowa State DL Mitchell Meyers diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma

Iowa State head coach Paul Rhoads announced Thursday that Cyclones defensive lineman Mitchell Meyers has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Meyers a 6-foot-4, 262-pound defensive end, recently finished his redshirt sophomore season at Iowa State.

“Mitchell’s immediate health is our most important concern right now,” Rhoads said in a statement. “I have no doubt that Mitchell will attack this with a positive mindset and strong determination. He also will have 100 percent support from the Iowa State football family and Cyclone Nation.”

According to Iowa State team physician Dr. Marc Shulman, Meyers' diagnosis is “very treatable with a 90 percent curable rate.” He will begin treatment on Friday.

“He is already in the process of beginning chemotherapy treatments,” Shulman said. “More positives for Mitchell is that he is in excellent shape and he has an outstanding support system surrounding him.”

Meyers, a native of The Woodlands, Texas, released a statement through Iowa State:

“I want to thank everyone for the support and encouragement I have received. I am determined to embrace the process and fight this with a positive attitude. I have decided to stay here in Ames for my treatments so I can remain in school and be around my teammates. I have the greatest teammates in the world. It’s been humbling to see their care and words of encouragement. I would love to be able to play football at Iowa State again, but right now my focus is on my health.”

Meyers started all 12 games for the Cyclones in 2014 and had 30 tackles and two tackles for loss. He also had 14 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss as a redshirt freshman in 2013.

For more Iowa State news, visit CycloneReport.com.

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