Report: Udeze battling leukemia

Feb 12, 2008 - 4:33 PM MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze has been diagnosed with a form of leukemia, according to two television stations in the Twin Cities.

KSTP reported Monday night that Udeze is undergoing tests and his doctors are trying to determine the severity of the leukemia.

KMSP said that Udeze, 24, is hospitalized at Fairview Southdale Hospital and visited the Mayo Clinic last week.

The Vikings have yet to comment on Udeze, who was taken by Minnesota in the first round of the 2004 draft after playing on Southern California's 2003 national championship team.

Udeze played in all 16 games for the Vikings last season, recording 47 tackles and five sacks.