A former Toronto Argonauts head coach and Canadian Football Hall of Famer has announced he is tackling a new kind of opponent off the football field.
Don Matthews, who coached the Argos on and off in the 90s and again in 2008, said Monday he is battling cancer.
“My doctors have found cancer cells in my lymph nodes and are still trying to determine from where these cells originate,” Matthews said in a statement released on his behalf by the Argonauts. “It is early and I am still exploring my options and seeking medical advice.”
While Matthews said the illness will keep him from participating in events surrounding the 100th Grey Cup Festival, he said he is facing the fight head on.
“I’ve got this and I’m dealing with this. But I want everyone to know I plan to fight like hell and I intend to be playing golf at this time next year,” he said.
“I wish everyone well as the 100th Grey Cup is celebrated and am sorry I will not be there with all of you as I focus, with my wife Stephanie, on my immediate battle off the field.”
Matthews, with 231 career wins, is the second winningest head coach in CFL history. He led the Argos to two Grey Cup wins in 1996 and 1997. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in September 2011.
