The Patriots are headed to the Super Bowl, and for the first time this season, defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will be traveling with the team for the game. 
Williams, 51, was diagnosed with prostate cancer shortly after the start of the regular season. A health scare had chased him from spring ball, and though he reunited with his team shortly before the start of the regular season, Williams was forced to depart after New England’s Week 1 loss the Raiders and has been off the sideline ever since. He is now cancer-free, per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. Head coach Mike Vrabel informed his team a few weeks ago, and Williams has since been given the go-ahead to join the team in their upcoming trip to California.
Williams remained involved with the team during treatment by attending meetings and keeping in touch with players. Play-calling duties were handed to inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr, who excelled in the role. New England’s defense ranked fourth in points allowed and eighth in total defense and dominated opposing offenses throughout their first three playoff games. Vinny DePalma, a defensive assistant, stepped into Kuhr’s role to help manage the Patriots linebacking corps, in the meantime.
It was a long road back for Williams. After his initial diagnosis indicated an aggressive form of prostate cancer, he and Vrabel agreed he should take time away from the team to focus on his treatment. It started with a month-long medication schedule that led into chemotherapy treatments — five rounds with three weeks separating each round. After beating his cancer, Williams returned to New England to rejoin the team, with whom he’ll now fight for the ultimate prize of the sport.
Ely Allen contributed to this post.