Syracuse University punter and captain Rob Long will need additional treatment after tests showed malignant cells in a tumor removed last week.
Head Coach Doug Marrone said Long took the difficult news in stride
"Here's Rob saying, 'Well coach you have to go out and win a football game," said Marrone on Tuesday. "That will be our situation for two to three hours but our thoughts and prayers will be constantly be making sure we're together with Rob as he gets through this."
On the SU hill, fans were saddened to hear that Long would need more treatment but hopeful the team leader would have a full recovery.
"I've had family that have struggled with similar situations and it's just awful. my heart goes out to him, his teammates, his family," said SU fan Steve Amester.
"If it could happen to them, it could happen to anyone. so that makes it even scarier. and here he is in good shape and eating properly and exercising - it really scares you," said Joan Cofrancesco.
In a statement Long said "we remain optimistic and positive toward a favorable outcome." Many fans said they hoped he knew how much support he has here in Central New York and across the country.
"I would hope that those who are inspired by his battle with this do pull for him, keep him in their prayers and I would imagine that could only help him in the long run," said SU fan Rich Creamer.
Coach Marrone said that Long should be able to travel to the Pinstripe Bowl next week to support the team. Long will certainly be on the receiving end of a lot of support from his teammates and the thousands of SU fans at that game as well.
