Former Jets pass-rushing star Mark Gastineau has lived a renowned and controversial life. He played in the NFL from 1979 through 1988, and his 107.5 sacks in that decade makes him one of the quickest players to get to more than 100 quarterback takedowns. In 1984, he set a single-season record with 22 sacks that was broken by Michael Strahan in 2001.

The famed leader of the “New York Sack Exchange” also had a boxing career, once spent 18 months in jail after failing to complete an anger management course for assaulting his second wife, and revealed in 2017 that he was suffering from dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Many former players tie such diagnoses to the head trauma they encountered during their NFL careers.

Now, Gastineau and his third wife, Jo Ann, have set up a GoFundMe page because Gastineau has been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.

“I am presently being treated at Foxchase Cancer Center in Philadelphia,” Gastineau writes. “I had surgery to remove the tumor and treatment to kill the cancer. Its been a difficult fight but I know I will have victory with the Lord fighting this battle with me. Thank you for all your love and support.”

Jo Ann Gastineau had this to say:

My husband Mark is in great spirits and gives thanks to the Lord for his continued victories in the healing process. He just finished his 8th round of chemotherapy and joyfully rang the traditional bell at Foxchase Cancer Center for completing his chemotherapy. Next week he continues to “Sack Cancer” with 5 1/2 weeks-5 days a week of radiation therapy. We ask for assistance in raising money with the costs associated with these and other medical procedures and personal care. We are also losing our home in the midst of these health battles. Donations would be greatly appreciated in finding a new home. We are asking for prayer for our upcoming search for a new home and peace in the process. We thank everyone who has been holding us up in prayer and writing to us with well wishes. We will continue to fight these illnesses with everything possible. In, Christ we believe all things are possible.

It may be a surprise to some that former NFL players don’t receive comprehensive health care benefits for the rest of their lives, but they don’t. It’s shameful that a league that now posts revenue over $10 billion per year won’t do more for its former players in this regard, but that’s the way it is.

Last year, Hall of Fame running back Eric Dickerson threatened a boycott of the annual induction ceremony by all Hall of Fame players unless those players received health insurance and an annual salary. This would not have covered Gastineau since he’s not a Hall of Famer, but the point is the same.

“We’re not trying to leave any of our brothers behind,” Dickerson told CNBC in September. “I want health benefits for every player that ever played in the National Football League.”

Currently, ex-NFL players and their eligible dependents receive five years of medical, dental, prescription drug and work/life resources coverage, and minor help after that.