Texans GM taking leave of absence due to wife's cancer diagnosis

Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith is taking a leave of absence to take care of his wife, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, he confirmed with a statement via ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Effective immediately, I have chosen to take an extended leave of absence to focus my attention and intention on my wife's complete recovery from her recent diagnosis of breast cancer. We are faithful and trust in God's promise of healing and Wholeness. I am eternally grateful to the McNair family for their unwavering support during this trying time. This was an extremely difficult decision for me to make as I love this organization and every member of this team both on and off the field. I remain committed to our quest to bring a championship to the city of Houston, yet my family needs me now and they are my priority.

The Texans finished their season at 4-12 with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon.

The leave of absence comes at a supposed time of turmoil for the Texans. Reports of a "toxic and dysfunctional" relationship between Smith and Bill O'Brien surfaced last week, though the head coach is likely to be retained. Smith has been GM of the Texans since 2006.