NFL Linebacker Alex Singleton’s Brave Battle with Testicular Cancer
Denver Broncos middle linebacker Alex Singleton recently revealed a personal health battle that has temporarily sidelined him from the game he loves. In a heartfelt announcement on social media, Singleton shared that he underwent surgery to remove testicular cancer just one day after playing against the Las Vegas Raiders. His diagnosis came following a routine NFL-mandated drug test that detected elevated levels of hCG hormone, which led doctors to discover a tumor. Despite this shocking diagnosis, Singleton faces his battle with remarkable courage and optimism, believing the cancer was caught early and expecting to return to the field in the coming weeks.
The path to Singleton’s diagnosis illustrates the importance of regular health screenings and listening to your body. After the drug test raised concerns, Singleton quickly consulted with Dr. Andrew Zilovy, a urologist who determined he showed signs of a testicular tumor. With the Broncos organization’s support, he was immediately connected with Dr. Geoff Ledgerwood, who conducted an ultrasound confirming the diagnosis. The linebacker didn’t let the news affect his commitment to his team—he played in the Thursday night game against the Raiders before undergoing surgery the very next day to remove the cancerous tumor. This remarkable timeline speaks volumes about Singleton’s dedication and mental fortitude in the face of a life-altering diagnosis.
Singleton’s decision to share his personal health struggle publicly came after careful consideration. He first informed his teammates about his condition on Monday before making his announcement to the broader public. Despite initially wrestling with whether to share such private information, Singleton ultimately concluded that his story could help others. “If it helps one person decide to pay closer attention to their body, then it is well worth it,” he explained in his statement. “Early detection and regular screenings save lives and can save loved ones from a lot of grief.” His vulnerability in sharing this deeply personal health scare demonstrates a selfless desire to potentially help others who might be facing similar undetected health issues.
At 30 years old, Singleton has established himself as one of the most consistent linebackers in the NFL over recent seasons. Before his diagnosis, he was having another standout year, ranking fifth in the league with 89 tackles through 10 games. His productivity on the field has been remarkable during his time with the Broncos, recording 177 combined tackles in 2023 and 163 in 2022. As a defensive captain, his presence on the field has been invaluable to Denver’s defense, making his temporary absence a significant blow to the team. However, his teammates and the organization have rallied around him during this challenging time, providing support as he focuses on his recovery.
Singleton’s journey to NFL prominence makes his current battle all the more compelling. Unlike many NFL stars, his career began not in the American college football spotlight, but in the Canadian Football League. After playing college football at Montana State University, Singleton found his professional footing with the Calgary Stampeders between 2016 and 2018, where his exceptional play caught the attention of NFL scouts. The Philadelphia Eagles gave him his first NFL opportunity, and he spent three seasons there before signing with the Broncos. His path represents the determination and resilience that has likely prepared him well for facing this new off-field challenge with the same tenacity he shows on the gridiron.
While Singleton awaits additional test results, his positive outlook and the apparent early detection of his cancer provide hope for a full recovery and return to football. His experience highlights how modern medicine and proactive health monitoring—in this case through a routine drug test—can lead to life-saving early diagnoses. Beyond the football field, Singleton’s openness about his testicular cancer diagnosis may encourage other men to be more attentive to their health and to seek medical attention when something seems wrong. As the linebacker focuses on his recovery with the support of the Broncos organization and his fans, his courage in both facing cancer and sharing his story stands as an inspiration that transcends sports, reminding us all of the importance of health awareness and the power of vulnerability in helping others.
