Cancer survivor Quessenberry scores 1st TD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota found offensive lineman David Quessenberry for a one-yard touchdown on a tackle eligible play Sunday, giving the cancer survivor his first career touchdown.

Mariota’s pass came via play action with running back Derrick Henry delivering a devastating block to take out one of the Colts defenders. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith made the play even more tricky by inserting linebacker Daren Bates into the lineup as a fullback.

Quessenberry was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2014. His cancer went into remission after completing radiation treatment in February of 2015. Quessenberry completed his treatment on April 13, 2017, and returned to practice with the Texans in May.

Draw it up, Arthur Smith!

Goal line TD for offensive lineman David Quessenberry. #INDvsTEN pic.twitter.com/hlCGIvsww8

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) September 15, 2019

Quessenbery spent last season on the Titans practice squad. He was with the Texans when Mike Vrabel was the defensive coordinator. The ninth-year tackle holds a special place in Vrabel’s heart after helping the coach’s son Tyler who is now a starting left tackle for Boston College.

“I watched him rehab and he took my son who was changing positions and being an offensive lineman and he would work out with him,” Vrabel said. “I would walk in the weight room and Quess would be in there with Tyler trying to help him as this guy’s recovering from cancer. When you have those type of guys that have the ability and they’re also a quality person, it makes it an easy thing to add them to your team.”