Clemson football player stepping away for treatment after cancer diagnosis
A Clemson football player is stepping away from the team for medical treatment after confirmation of a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis.
Tigers redshirt sophomore defensive tackle Hevin Brown-Shuler announced through the team Tuesday that he will miss the 2026 season for treatment and recovery after his recent diagnosis. He plans to return to Clemson in 2027.
Blood Cancer United defines Hodgkin lymphoma as “a blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system.”
Brown-Shuler, 20, said in a team-issued statement he was diagnosed with the disease after doctors discovered a mass in his chest.
“While this news was difficult to receive, I am grateful that the prognosis is very good, and I am approaching this challenge with optimism and determination,” Brown-Shuler said.
Brown-Shuler is an Atlanta native who joined Clemson as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2024. He has appeared in seven career games for the Tigers across two seasons and played a season-high 32 snaps against Penn State in the Pinstripe Bowl in December.
Brown-Shuler said in a statement he’d “already experienced incredible care and support” from the Clemson community and supporters at Pace Academy in Atlanta, his high school alma mater.
“Because of the people around me, I have been connected with outstanding doctors and have received exceptional medical care, for which I am deeply thankful,” Brown-Shuler said.
“I know there is a long journey ahead, but I am encouraged by the outlook and surrounded by tremendous support from family, friends, teammates and my communities. I appreciate everyone’s prayers, encouragement and respect for privacy as I focus on treatment and recovery.”
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said the program is behind Brown-Shuler.
“The Clemson family and the entire college football world are with Hevin as he begins treatment this month,” Swinney said in a statement. “As a program, we’ll wrap our arms around him and his family as he steps away from football temporarily to focus on his health. Hevin, his family and the amazing medical teams that are caring for him will be in our prayers.”
Brown-Shuler plans to return to Clemson next year.
“Thank you for your continued kindness and support,” he said. “I can’t wait to run down that hill and touch Howard’s Rock again for the 2027 football season.”
This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 12:20 PM with the headline "Clemson football player stepping away for treatment after cancer diagnosis."
