Kyle McCarthy treated for cancer

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Cardinal Mooney High graduate and former Notre Dame football standout Kyle McCarthy revealed on Twitter Thursday that he is battling cancer.

“A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with a very treatable form of cancer,” he wrote. “Yesterday [Wednesday] I began chemotherapy as the next step in eliminating this disease.”

In a text message, McCarthy said he recently had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor.

“Unfortunately, after hope that would be all, we recently found the cancer had spread to a few other specified locations,” he said. “Doctors are very confident the cancer is receptive to treatment.”

McCarthy played quarterback for Mooney’s Division IV state championship team in 2004 and led Notre Dame in tackles from his safety position in 2008 and 2009.

He signed with the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2010 and also played for the Chiefs and Raiders over the past two years.

After knee injuries forced him to retire in January, he took a job as a graduate assistant with the Irish.

He is getting treated in South Bend, Ind., because he wants to work with the team during and after the treatment.

“I’m truly blessed to have such amazing love and support from family and friends,” he wrote on Twitter. “Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers over the last few weeks. I expect a full recovery.”