Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jesse Williams has been diagnosed with papillary type 2 cancer and will undergo kidney surgery, the NFL team announced on Monday afternoon.

The former Alabama standout was trying to come back from two seasons wrecked by knee injuries when he ran into his latest health setback.

"Although disappointing, I am a fighter and will handle this," Williams said in a statement released by the Seahawks. "I am going to focus on my health and fighting this battle with a return to football as my ultimate goal. Thank you for your thoughts and support. Go, Hawks!"

In the same statement, John Schneider, Seattle's executive vice president and general manager, said: "Jesse is an extraordinarily tough individual who has overcome a great deal in his life and we will support him in any way possible. He is in our thoughts and prayers."

According to the Kidney Cancer Association, surgery is considered the primary treatment for kidney cancers. Papillary renal cell carcinoma is often slow-growing and non-metastatic. However, type 2 of the disease can be more aggressive.

Seattle drafted Williams in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft after he played on Alabama's 2011 and 2012 BCS national championship teams, but he has not played in a Seahawks game.

FOR MORE OF AL.COM'S COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF THE NFL, GO TO OUR NFL PAGE

Williams had arthroscopic surgery on his knee following his senior season at Alabama. When his problem persisted, he had another surgery in August 2013 and spent his first NFL season on the injured-reserve list. When the Seahawks beat the Denver Broncos 43-8 to win the NFL championship for the 2013 season, Williams became the first Australian to earn a Super Bowl ring.

Williams suffered another knee injury during the Seahawks' training camp on July 30, 2014, and spent last season on the injured-reserve list again. Williams has been rehabbing the injury and pointing toward the 2015 season for his return to the field.

The Seahawks waived Williams on March 6, but re-signed him to a new contract on April 1.