A family history of cancer sometimes puts a person at risk of developing the disease later in life. This is why NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin recently decided to get tested for throat cancer. But now, Irvin reveals that he’s cancer-free, reports The Washington Post.

One week earlier, the 53-year-old former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver shared with fans on the social media platform that he was undergoing a throat biopsy.

“This past football season after the @dallascowboys beat the @Saints, I was so elated and hyped I lost my voice and the problem persisted for almost 2 months,” he wrote on March 26. “After visiting some of the best throat doctors, they thought it to be wise to take a deeper look at the situation.”

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‪Spent Sun & Mon in LA at UCLA medical Health (Ronald Reagan Hospital) doing health test. I would not usually do this but this I need to share. Growing up in the ghetto of Ft Lauderdale the one thing you have to conquer to get out is FEAR. I did! As a football player the no fear gift served me well as a blessing and an asset on the field but sometimes off the field it’s been a curse and a liability. This past football season after the @dallascowboys beat the @Saints i was so elated and hyped I lost my voice and the problem persisted for almost 2months. After visiting some of the best throat Doctors they thought it to be wise to take a deeper look at the situation. So we schedule and performed a throat biopsy. To give background I share with you that I loss my father at the young age of 51. He had throat cancer. This daemon has chased and vexed me deep in my spirit all my life. So saying I am afraid this time is a big big understatement. I AM TERRIFIED!! My Faith tells me whenever you face great fear you go to your greatness power. Mine is God. I am asking all who will. Could you please send up a prayer to help my family and I deal with whatever the results may be? Thanks for your thoughts and prayers in advance????????????????I will continue to pray for your fams protection and prosperity as well. May God Bless us all ????????????????‬

A post shared by Michael Irvin (@michaelirvin88) on

Irvin admitted that he was terrified because his father died of throat cancer at age 51 and asked fans to send their thoughts and prayers.

Then, the following Monday, he shared the good news that the results of two days of tests found no cancer. “I spoke with Dr. St John at UCLA Medical and she has informed me that all tests have come back 100% clean. NO CANCER!!!!!!,” Irvin wrote on Instagram. “It is impossible to express my family and my appreciation for the overwhelming out pour of love, support and prayers.”

After thanking his supporters, Irvin concluded with the statement “To God be the Glory.”

According to the American Cancer Society, throat cancer (specifically laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers), which originates in the lower part of the throat, is more common among African Americans.

In 2019, the ACS notes, more than 12,000 new cases of laryngeal cancer will be diagnosed, and nearly 3,800 people will die of the disease.

Click here to learn about cancer prevention.