Williams reveals cancer diagnosis, says Redskins downplayed issue
Trent Williams said Thursday his anger with the Washington Redskins stems from a growth on his head that team doctors didn't take seriously when it began developing six years ago.
The lump was eventually discovered to be cancerous, requiring Williams to undergo three surgeries this past offseason. Williams said the cancer was weeks away from reaching his brain.
"I almost lost my life," he said, according to The Washington Post's Les Carpenter.
Williams cited a lack of trust in the Redskins' medical team for his holdout, which ended at the trade deadline when he wasn't moved. Williams needed to report to the team to ensure his contract wouldn't toll.
The Pro Bowl left tackle revealed his cancer was a rare type called dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP).
"We haven't had the best history with the way medical stuff has been handled here," he said, pointing specifically to the issues quarterback Alex Smith has had since suffering a broken leg last year, according to Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post.
Hours after Williams' press conference, the Redskins announced they've requested for the league and the NFL Players Association to create a joint committee for a third-party review of the medical care given to the 31-year-old.
"The Redskins continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our players and staff," read the statement. "Due to healthcare and privacy regulations, we are unable to comment further at this time. We look forward to the joint committee's results."
Williams was initially reported to have passed his physical upon rejoining the Redskins but was later deemed to have failed after complaining his helmet was causing him discomfort.
"I just had my whole head opened up," he said. "I lost 30% of my scalp. It's not going to feel great. It's going to take some time."
The 31-year-old also noted his discontent with his contract, which contains no guaranteed money left on it. Williams is signed through the 2021 season. He blasted the Redskins for refusing to trade him, as the club reportedly waited until hours before the deadline to finally take offers.
"I feel like that was kind of done to try to embarrass me, so to speak," he said. "Try to make it feel like don't nobody want you, you're not good enough for us to trade for. I feel like that was more so the play than it was actually trying to get me moved."