Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin announces he is cancer-free

After an initial scare that left him “terrified,” Michael Irvin announced on Sunday that he is cancer-free, via an Instagram post.

Irvin had announced in another Instagram post on Tuesday that he spent two days in the UCLA hospital undergoing testing for throat cancer, and now the tests give him a clean bill of health.

“Thank you God for continuing to answer Prayers and Thank you ALL for Praying,” Irvin wrote.

“It is impossible to express my family and my appreciation for the overwhelming out pour of love, support and prayers. I was on my threshing floor dealing with the stronghold of fear. You all covered and encourage me.”

Irvin noticed a problem when he lost his voice during the Dallas Cowboys' win over the New Orleans Saints last season, and the problem did not go away after two months. After talking with specialists, they decided to undergo a throat biopsy to be sure.

Irvin's father died at 51 of throat cancer, and his brother Vaughn died of stomach cancer at 49 in 2006. As Irvin wrote in the earlier post, “saying I am afraid this time is a big big understatement.”

An NFL Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl champion, Irvin is expected to continue his post-playing career work as an NFL Network broadcaster.

Emmitt Smith congratulates Irvin

Plenty of former players and fans have welcomed the good news for Irvin throughout the day.

One of the more notable ones came from his former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith:

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