Broncos LB Alex Singleton undergoes surgery after random drug test reveals testicular cancer

Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton had surgery for testicular cancer on Friday after being diagnosed last week. Singleton shared the news with his team on Monday morning before announcing it on social media.

In his statement, Singleton said that “cancer was caught early,” and is “still awaiting some additional test results. The 31-year-old said he expects to “return to he field in the coming weeks.”

“A little over two weeks ago, following a random test as part of the NFL’s Drug Testing Program, I received a notice that I had elevated levels of the hormone, hCG in my system,” Alex Singleton said. “Without a doubt, I knew with how diligent I am with what goes into my body that this was not from anything external I may have taken. After speaking with my agent and wife, we decided to book an appointment with a urologist.”

Singleton went on to say that he visited with Dr. Andrew Zilavy, who said he had “signs of a testicular tumor.” He then contacted the Broncos, who sent him to Dr. Geoff Ledgerwood, who conducted an ultrasound. After playing in the Thursday night game against the Raiders, Singleton underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tumor.

Looking at Alex Singleton’s NFL career

“I wrestled with sharing such personal information publicly,” Singleton added. “But the fact is, if it helps one person decide to pay closer attention to their body, then it is well worth it.”

Singleton has played in all 10 games this year and has registered 89 tackles and one sack. He returned to the lineup this year after missing nearly all of the 2024 season due to a ruptured ACL he suffered in Week 3.

After playing for Montana State from 2011 to 2014, Singleton entered the NFL in 2015 as an undrafted free agent. He was with the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, and Minnesota Vikings during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Singleton did not see any action during that time, which led him to join the Calgary Stampeders of the CFL in 2016. He played with the team for three seasons and signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in January 2019.

Singleton spent three years with the Eagles and played in 42 games with 19 starts. He signed with the Broncos in March 2022.