Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze made his season debut at the Metrodome on Sunday wearing his familiar No. 95 jersey.

But Udeze, who is battling leukemia, wants to do more than serve as an honorary captain as part of ceremonial coin toss next season.

"You know what? I'll be back next year," Udeze said. "The one thing that's slowing me down are my feet. They're slow to a lot of the treatment. But everything is going to be just fine. I don't see myself not being a part of this team next year."

That he was even on the sideline for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers was impressive.

Udeze was diagnosed with leukemia in February, and he received a successful bone marrow transplant from his older brother, Thomas Barnes, in July, just as the Vikings were about to start training camp.

Since then, when he wasn't at home, Udeze had to wear a mask to protect him from infections as his white blood cells matured.

But, with Barnes in tow, he was in good spirits Sunday, as he embraced and chatted with teammates and coaches.

"It's great, man," Udeze said. "It's really an honor and a privilege just to be back around the guys and the game. I'm really glad to be back a part of it, and I was blessed enough to get out the hospital and start my road to recovery."

Udeze said he is doing upper body workouts and plans to start jogging soon. He said his recovery is going so well doctors are going to reduce his visits to once a month soon rather than once a week.

"As you can see," he said pointing to himself, "everything is going great."

Udeze, though, noted that it has been a "rough experience" but that he wasn't discouraged.

As for Barnes, Udeze said there are "no words" to describe his appreciation.

Barnes received some injections to boost his white-blood cell count. Then, they were transferred to Udeze through a catheter via an IV bag.

Barnes said doctors outlined some risks to his own health but that wasn't going to deter him.

"The risk versus reward factor, there was nothing to even contemplate," Barnes said. "No hesitation at all.

"Just, 'Let's get it done,' " Barnes said. "It was nothing."

Barnes, an attorney, moved back to the Twin Cities from Denver to be closer to his younger brother.

"I just wanted to be here to help him deal with this," Barnes said.

As for Udeze, he said he has watched every Vikings game and still talks and sees his defensive linemates.

"Everybody knows that the d-line is a family," Udeze said.