Former Pitt lineman Alex Officer diagnosed with cancer while trying to start NFL career

Jason Owens
·Staff writer
Former Pitt OL Alex Officer is seeking the public’s health after being diagnosed with cancer. (AP)
Former Pitt OL Alex Officer is seeking the public’s health after being diagnosed with cancer. (AP)

Former Pittsburgh offensive lineman Alex Officer has been diagnosed with cancer.

His agent Jordan Byrd confirmed the news on Tuesday.

The four-year starter at center and guard graduated in 2017 and had been seeking to catch on with an NFL team. Pittsburgh Sports Now reports that he participated in summer programs with the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders, where he didn’t make the cut.

Alex Officer diagnosed with bone cancer

Officer has specifically been diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a common type of cancer that forms in bones.

The American Cancer society describes the cancer as one where seemingly healthy bone cells develop into tumors that leave the afflicted bone tissue weaker than it should be that most frequently occurs in children and young adults with developing bones.

Officer noticed ailment while trying out for NFL teams

PSN reports that Officer noticed a nagging pain in his knee that turned out to be a symptom of his cancer while trying out for NFL teams. He is scheduled to begin chemotherapy next week, according to the report.

Officer’s brother Jordan Lewis started a GoFundMe page seeking to raise money for Officer’s treatment.

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi promoted the page on his Twitter account while sending well wishes to Officer.

PSN reports that the Chiefs initially signed Officer, but released him on August 11 for failing to disclose a physical condition.

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