Denver Broncos captain and linebacker Alex Singleton has revealed that he underwent surgery to remove testicular cancer just one day after playing against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Singleton shared the diagnosis on social media. He explained that a routine, league-mandated drug test “a little over two weeks ago” showed elevated levels of the hormone hCG. This result led doctors to investigate further. They soon found a tumor that required immediate surgery.
Singleton said doctors expect him to make a full recovery.
“Thankfully, we believe the cancer was caught early with a great prognosis for me and my family,” he said. He added that more test results are still pending, but he expects to return to the field within weeks.
After receiving the initial alert from the drug test, Singleton consulted urologist Dr. Andrew Zilovy, who recognized signs of a possible testicular tumor. Singleton then contacted the Broncos, who connected him with Dr. Geoff Ledgerwood. An ultrasound confirmed the diagnosis. On Friday morning — less than 24 hours after playing the Raiders — Singleton underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tumor.
Singleton told his teammates about the diagnosis on Monday before releasing the information publicly. He admitted that sharing something so personal was difficult but felt it was important.
“If it helps one person pay closer attention to their body, then it is worth it,” he said. “Early detection and regular screenings save lives and spare loved ones a lot of pain.”
Singleton has been one of the NFL’s most reliable linebackers. He ranks fifth in the league with 89 tackles through 10 games this season. Before a season-ending injury in 2024, Singleton posted 177 tackles in 2023 and 163 tackles in 2022, his first year in Denver.
His football career began in the Canadian Football League, where he stood out with the Calgary Stampeders from 2016 to 2018. Afterward, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles for three seasons before signing with the Broncos.
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