Alex Singleton was beaming following the Denver Broncos’ tight victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday, yet his elation stemmed from multiple sources.
Not only did he contribute to his team’s thrilling 27-26 overtime triumph, but this marked his first appearance back on the field since undergoing successful cancer treatment.
Last month, the Broncos released a statement confirming that Singleton had undergone surgery for testicular cancer on November 7th, a procedure following a diagnosis made the preceding week.
The malignancy was discovered after the 31-year-old submitted to a routine NFL drug screening, where the findings raised alarms and necessitated further medical investigation.
However, in just over three weeks following the operation, Singleton was back suited up for the Broncos and played a significant role in securing Sunday’s win.
Singleton is shown observing during a contest against the Raiders on November 6th.
Singleton is shown observing during a contest against the Raiders on November 6th. Jack Dempsey/AP
“I have such deep affection for these teammates, this league. Seeing the players from the opposing side offer me support after everything… that means the world,” Singleton remarked to NBC post-game, a wide grin fixed on his face.
“Honestly, there’s nothing more one could possibly desire in this life. This squad is truly exceptional; I’m simply thrilled to be a component of it, I adore these guys.”
Singleton was central to a pivotal moment in the fourth quarter, deflecting a throw and dislodging the football from Zach Ertz’s grasp on a third-and-21 play, after the Commanders’ tight end believed he had secured the catch.
As Singleton celebrated with both arms raised and a broad smile, his teammates rushed over to join him in congratulation.
The linebacker missed participation in only a single contest during what he characterized as a challenging few weeks for both himself and his family.
He maintained privacy regarding his health struggles until after the surgery, only informing his teammates of the diagnosis three days post-treatment. Notably, he participated in the team’s victory against the Las Vegas Raiders the day prior to his scheduled surgery, recording two solo tackles and seven assisted tackles that evening.
While he sat out the close 22-19 win against the Kansas City Chiefs while in recovery, he remained actively involved, linking up with his substitute and the other linebackers before the November 16th game.
“If that were my final game, my goal post-retirement is to coach anyway, so I figured I’d start immediately. … All you truly want is to witness your guys succeed,” he later stated, as reported by the Associated Press.
Denver supporters also owe gratitude to Nik Bonitto for helping secure their team’s ninth consecutive victory, as he swatted down Marcus Mariota’s pass in overtime, denying the Commanders the two-point conversion that would have secured the win for Washington.
Quarterback Bo Nix also delivered a capable performance, completing 29 of 45 passes for 321 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, prompting Broncos coach Sean Payton to laud yet another crucial victory.
“We didn’t just scrape by; we earned the win,” Payton commented. “The trajectory of a successful team’s season invariably includes games like this. And that builds the confidence that you can replicate it.”
About the Author
