Texans safety Andre Hal diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma

Houston Texans safety Andre Hal has been diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects part of the immune system, the team announced Friday.

"The news of Andre Hal's diagnosis weighs heavy on the hearts of everyone in the Houston Texans family," head coach Bill O'Brien said in a statement. "Andre epitomizes what it means to be a Houston Texan through his leadership, community involvement, and team-first attitude. We are confident that Andre's resiliency and infectious positivity, along with treatment and care from the best medical community in the world, will guide him through his recovery. The entire Texans organization is behind Andre and his family during this difficult time and we look forward to his eventual return to the team."

Hal, who was heading into his fifth NFL season, posted 71 tackles and three interceptions across 16 contests last year. The 26-year-old inked a three-year, $15-million contract with the Texans ahead of the 2017 season.

"My faith in God and the support from my family, friends, teammates, and coaches will see me through this difficult time," he said in a statement of his own. "I will not let this diagnosis stop me from fulfilling my dreams and I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me. I know how to beat this and I will beat it."

Hal is still undergoing medical testing and is in the process of discussing his treatment options, according to the team's release.