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Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton is opening up about how a random NFL drug test helped detect signs he had testicular cancer.
Singleton made a public statement on Monday, announcing he had undergone surgery to remove the cancerous tumor on Friday after the Broncos defeated the Raiders on “Thursday Night Football.”
“Thankfully, we believe the cancer was caught early with a great prognosis for me and my family,” he said in a statement. “While we are still awaiting some additional test results, I fully expect to return to the field in the coming weeks.”
Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) tackles Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel (14 during the second half at NRG Stadium. Thomas Shea-Imagn ImagesThe linebacker informed his teammates about the procedure and the circumstances around it on Monday.
Singleton, 31, said it was a mandated drug test from the NFL that first flagged some sort of issue.
It was elevated levels of the hormone hCG that were detected, which he took notice of because “this was not from anything external” since he was “diligent” about what he put into his body.
“On Monday, I visited Dr. Andrew Zilavy, who determined that, in fact, I had signs of a testicular tumor. I immediately contacted the Broncos, and they put me in contact with Dr. Geoff Ledgerwood, who was able to conduct an ultrasound immediately to confirm the diagnosis,” the statement read. “And then Friday, after playing in the Raiders game the previous night, I underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and begin the road to a full recovery.”
I shared this news with our team this morning.
I’m grateful for everyone’s support and can’t wait to get back on the field soon!
Go Broncos! pic.twitter.com/6qge5tPirn
Singleton said he decided to share his story in hopes it would help raise awareness in others about early detection and regular screening.
He made nine tackles during the win over the Raiders, and said during a call with local reporters, said only a few of his Broncos teammates knew about the diagnosis or procedure.
Singleton is in his fourth season in the Mile High City and will miss the upcoming game against the Chiefs.
Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton (49) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Eric Hartline-Imagn ImagesAnd he’s hoping to be back on the field sooner than later.
“I’m not giving an exact timetable yet, but I should recover pretty quickly from this surgery and get up and running here pretty soon,” Singleton said in a call with local media, per ESPN. “… I was able to not have as invasive of surgery … It feels good that optimistically, it’s not going to be four, five, six weeks, thankfully.”
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He has started all 10 games for the Broncos this season and has 89 tackles.
The Broncos are 8-2 this season and first in the AFC West.
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