Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams diagnosed with prostate cancer

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New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer, head coach Mike Vrabel announced Friday. 

Williams, 51, stepped away from the team after an unforeseen health issue arose after the team’s Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. 

"I unfortunately have to tell you that Terrell Williams was determined to have prostate cancer and is in the process of treatment and meeting with specialists and figuring out the best plan of attack to be able to attack this and heal it and fix it and allow him to get back to better health," Vrabel told reporters Friday.

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New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.  (Jamie Sabau/USA Today Sports, File)

"You know how much Terrell means to me personally and to the people on this football team. So, again, we want to send our regards and just publicly let everyone know that’s what he’s dealing with. When he is ready to talk, he will talk on his behalf, but we wanted to let you know that’s what's going on."

Williams missed the team’s rookie minicamp in the spring with an unrelated health issue. He was also treated for dehydration during a training camp practice in July. 

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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, right, speaks with defensive coordinator Terrell Williams during training camp at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., July 28. (Eric Canha/Imagn