Denver Broncos’ Alex Singleton Diagnosed with Testicular Cancer After Random Drug Test

NFL player Alex Singleton has revealed his cancer diagnosis.

The Denver Broncos linebacker, 31, shared on Monday, Nov. 10, that he had undergone surgery on Friday, Nov. 7, to remove a tumor after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

“This morning, I stood before our team as a lucky man,” he wrote in a post on X. “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.”

Singleton said he’s still “awaiting some additional test results,” but added, “I fully expect to return to the field in the coming weeks.”

The athlete was diagnosed in late October after undergoing random drug testing, he said. The test revealed that he had elevated levels of the hCG hormone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “High hCG levels in someone who isn’t pregnant may be a sign of cancer.”

Singleton then visited a urologist, who determined he “had signs of a testicular tumor,” he said. After undergoing an ultrasound, his diagnosis was confirmed.

Singleton underwent surgery to remove the tumor after playing the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, Nov. 6, where his team won in a 10-7 victory.

While he said he was conflicted about sharing his personal story with the public, Singleton said he ultimately chose to do so because “if it helps one person decide to pay closer attention to their body, then it is well worth it.”

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In a statement posted on Monday, the Broncos showed support for Singleton.

“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. “Alex and his family have our unwavering support as we look forward to welcoming him back on the field soon.”

Singleton is a Broncos team captain and was selected as the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee in 2024. The NFL gives the award to one player each year who “has had a significant positive impact on his community” and shows “excellence on and off the field,” according to the organization.