The New England Patriots will move forward toward Super Bowl 60 with an important member back in action. Defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has been declared cancer-free.
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The team confirmed the news to NFL Media during the lone off-week separating the AFC championship and the biggest game on the schedule. Head coach Mike Vrabel also confirmed to reporters on Thursday that Williams will travel with the team to Santa Clara, California.
"He's doing good, thank you," Vrabel said. "He's excited about traveling with us, I appreciate you asking. Doing well, so we're excited about having him."
Williams, 51, was diagnosed with prostate cancer after the season-opening loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Vrabel said at the time that the veteran coach was meeting with specialists and coming up with a plan to attack the situation.
The head coach added that inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr would take over as defensive coordinator while Williams received treatment.
While Williams did not travel to games, he remained involved with the Patriots. He attended meetings at the facility and helped the defensive line, an area of expertise dating back to his time with Vrabel in Tennessee.
The Patriots lost the opening game to the Raiders, but the team bounced back and delivered its best season since 2018. Vrabel's team went 14-3 and won the AFC East, its first time capturing the division since 2019.
The Patriots then defeated the Chargers in the wild-card round, the Texans in the divisional round, and the No. 1 seed Broncos in the championship round. Now, the team is back in the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2018 season when it defeated the Rams.
The defense stepped up in a major way while Williams received treatment for prostate cancer. The unit ranked second in points allowed and third in yards surrendered. The Patriots also only allowed an average of 8.6 points during the three playoff games.
Next up is a battle with the NFC's No. 1 seed, the Seahawks. This team ranked seventh overall in total offense, eighth in passing offense, and third in scoring.
