Rick Smith is taking an extended leave of absence from the Houston Texans to take care of his wife, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
Smith has been tending to his wife throughout this season while she has undergone treatment in Arizona.
"I am eternally grateful to the McNair family for their unwavering support during this trying time," Smith said in a statement Sunday. "This was an extremely difficult decision for me to make as I love this organization and every member of this team both on and off the field. I remain committed to our quest to bring a championship to the city of Houston, yet my family needs me now and they are my priority."
