Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton underwent surgery for testicular cancer on Friday, a day after playing in his team's 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The diagnosis came after an NFL drug test detected elevated hCG levels about two weeks ago. Singleton expects to return to the field in the coming weeks.
Alex Singleton, the Denver Broncos' leading tackler and co-captain, announced on Monday that a routine NFL drug test led to his testicular cancer diagnosis. The test, conducted a little over two weeks ago, revealed elevated levels of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), prompting Singleton to seek medical attention.
Singleton visited Dr. Andrew Zilavy on Monday, who identified signs of a testicular tumor. The Broncos connected him with Dr. Geoff Ledgerwood for an immediate ultrasound, confirming the diagnosis. Despite learning of the cancer four days earlier, Singleton played all 60 defensive snaps and recorded nine tackles in the Broncos' Week 10 Thursday night victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, improving Denver to 8-2 with their seventh straight win.
The next morning, Singleton underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor. A CT scan showed the cancer had not spread, and he described the prognosis as great, though additional test results are pending. He informed his teammates and coaches during Monday's team meeting.
"This morning, I stood before our team as a lucky man," Singleton said in a statement. "I shared with my teammates and coaches that I underwent successful surgery on Friday for testicular cancer after being diagnosed last week. Thankfully, we believe the cancer was caught early with a great prognosis for me and my family. While we are still awaiting some additional test results, I fully expect to return to the field in the coming weeks."
Singleton credited football with helping him compartmentalize the news during the short week. "The short week honestly made it better," he said. "On Tuesday, Wednesday, I got to fully immerse myself in football and get this off of my mind as much as I could."
The 31-year-old is in his fourth season with the Broncos after starting with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he had two straight 120-tackle seasons. He signed a one-year deal with Denver in 2022, recording 163 tackles, then earned a three-year, $18 million extension. In 2023, he set career highs with 177 tackles and two sacks. Through 10 games this season, Singleton has 89 tackles and one sack.
Singleton will miss the upcoming game against the Kansas City Chiefs but is grateful for the support from his family, including wife Sam and daughter Tallyn, and the Broncos organization. "Our No. 1 priority is Alex's health and well-being, and we are grateful it appears the cancer was caught early," the team said in a statement.
He urged others to prioritize early detection. "Early detection and regular screenings save lives," Singleton said. "If it helps one person decide to pay closer attention to their body, then it is well worth it." Linebacker Justin Strnad, who will replace him, praised Singleton's resilience: "He's the ultimate competitor, ultimate team player."
The Broncos also face adjustments without star cornerback Pat Surtain II, who is recovering from a strained pectoral muscle.