Alex Singleton, the resilient linebacker for the Denver Broncos, remains upbeat despite receiving a serious health diagnosis: testicular cancer. Singleton, who has been cut from NFL rosters multiple times throughout his career and even played in the Canadian Football League, has always maintained a positive outlook. Following his diagnosis, he reassured his defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph, saying, “I’m going to be all right. We caught it early.”
Joseph expressed deep concern for Singleton and his family, emphasizing that football was secondary at this critical time. Even as Singleton prepares for surgery to remove a testicular tumor, his commitment to the team has not wavered. He played 58 snaps just a day prior to his diagnosis and has made it a point to be involved in team activities, attending meetings and road trips, even while recovering from a torn ACL from the previous season.
Singleton’s absence is expected to be significantly felt as the Broncos gear up for their crucial matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. His leadership skills and on-field intelligence have made him an invaluable presence on the team. As Joseph noted, Singleton acts as a crucial communicator on defense, wearing the “green dot” that signifies his responsibility for relaying calls and adjustments on the field.
The Broncos’ defense is currently leading the NFL in yards-per-play allowed, thanks in part to Singleton’s football IQ and ability to adjust plays before they unfold. However, between his absence and the unavailability of reigning defensive player of the year Pat Surtain due to injury, the Broncos face a challenging task in containing the Chiefs’ offense, which features top weapons like Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce.
Justin Strnad, likely to fill in for Singleton, acknowledges the impact of losing a player designated with the green dot but remains optimistic. He stated, “It’s 11 guys on the field, and we’ll get it all figured out,” underscoring the spirit of teamwork and determination within the squad as they prepare for what will undoubtedly be a tough contest against a formidable opponent.
The Broncos continue to rally together during this challenging period, exemplifying resilience both on and off the field.