Former UNC linebacker Quincy Monk passed away on Tuesday afternoon after a battle with cancer.

Monk played for the Tar Heels from 1998 through 2001 and finished second on the team in tackles in his senior season. Monk was drafted by the New York Giants in the seventh round of the NFL draft.

Monk played two seasons for the Giants before finishing his football career with the Houston Texans.

The story of Monk’s battle against cancer gained attention earlier this year as his teammates came to his side.

UNC football coach Larry Fedora released the following statement after the passing on Monk:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of Quincy’s passing this afternoon. Quincy came and spoke to the team earlier this year before our Wake Forest game. In the brief time I knew him, it became clear how great of person he was, how much this University meant to him and how much this football program was part of his life. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Lisa, and his two beautiful children, Naomi and Aiden.”