Dallas Cowboys legend, and NFL Hall of Famer, Michael Irvin took to social media on Tuesday night to share some somber news: he is currently undergoing tests for throat cancer.
Irvin, 53, posted a photo from his hospital bed, asking his fans to pray for him as he awaits the results of the test. Additionally, Irvin revealed that his own father died of throat cancer at the age of 51, adding, "So saying I am afraid this time is a big big understatement. I AM TERRIFIED!!"
The full caption on Irvin's post reads:
"[I] spent Sunday & Monday in LA at UCLA Medical Health (Ronald Reagan Hospital) doing a health test. I would not usually do this but this I need to share. Growing up in the ghetto of Fort Lauderdale [FL], the one thing you have to conquer to get out is FEAR.
"I did! As a football player the 'no fear' gift served me well as a blessing and an asset on the field, but sometimes off the field it’s been a curse and a liability. This past football season after the Dallas Cowboys beat the Saints, I was so elated and hyped I lost my voice and the problem persisted for almost two months. After visiting some of the best throat doctors, they thought it to be wise to take a deeper look at the situation. So, we schedule and performed a throat biopsy.
"To give [some] background, [I'll] share with you that I lost my father at the young age of 51. He had throat cancer. This daemon has chased and vexed me deep in my spirit all my life. So saying I am afraid this time is a big big understatement. I AM TERRIFIED!!
"My faith tells me whenever you face great fear, you go to your [greatest] power. Mine is God. I am asking all who will. Could you please send up a prayer to help my family and I deal with whatever the results may be?
"Thanks for your thoughts and prayers in advance. I will continue to pray for your [family's] protection and prosperity as well. May God Bless us all."