One day after leading the Denver Broncos to a gritty 10-7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High, team captain and middle linebacker Alex Singleton underwent surgery to remove testicular cancer. The 29-year-old veteran revealed the shocking diagnosis on November 10, 2025, explaining that it was caught during a routine NFL drug test — a moment that, against all odds, became a lifeline.
How a Drug Test Saved His Life
It wasn’t a symptom, not a pain, not a lump he found himself. It was an elevated level of hCG — human chorionic gonadotropin — flagged in a league-mandated screening conducted just over two weeks before the Raiders game. Singleton, known for his relentless work ethic and quiet leadership, didn’t panic. He called the Broncos’ medical staff immediately. They connected him with Dr. Geoff Ledgerwood, a urologist who ordered an ultrasound within hours. The results confirmed a tumor. He’d already consulted Dr. Andrew Zilovy, who’d suspected something was off. "Don’t Google this," his doctor told him. Wise advice. The internet, as Singleton later admitted, is a minefield of worst-case scenarios.
But here’s the twist: that same system designed to catch performance-enhancing drugs became the unexpected early-warning system for a life-threatening illness. "I’ve never seen a player more thankful for random drug testing," said host Mike Rice on Denver Sports 104.3’s "Orange & Blue Today" on November 11. "That’s how he learned he had cancer."
A Captain’s Courage on the Field
Singleton played against the Raiders on November 6, 2025, with a tumor growing inside him. He recorded nine tackles. He was everywhere. Teammates later said he looked more intense than usual — not because he was angry, but because he was focused. A Getty Images photo from that day shows him standing solemnly during the national anthem, helmet in hand, eyes locked forward. No one knew. Not the coaches. Not the trainers. Not even his closest friends on the team.
"He’s the emotional heartbeat of the unit," said one defensive assistant on the sideline that night. "Not just the leading tackler. The guy who pulls everyone together after a bad play. Who stays late to film. Who texts rookies at 11 p.m. asking if they’re okay."
He didn’t tell anyone until after surgery. "I didn’t want to be a distraction," Singleton said in his official statement. "I just wanted to do my job."
Medical Outlook and Recovery Timeline
Doctors believe Singleton’s cancer is stage 1 — the earliest and most treatable form. The American Cancer Society reports a 95% five-year survival rate for stage 1 testicular cancer when caught early. His surgery was successful. No chemotherapy or radiation is currently planned. The medical team expects him to return to football activities in weeks, not months. That’s the kind of prognosis that gives hope — not just to Singleton, but to athletes everywhere.
The Denver Broncos organization released a statement: "Our No. 1 priority is Alex’s health and well-being." They activated him from the reserve list, signaling their full support. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is adjusting the scheme to compensate for Singleton’s absence, but the team is clear: this isn’t about wins and losses right now. It’s about a man.
A Journey From Calgary to Denver
Singleton’s path to becoming a Broncos captain wasn’t typical. He began in the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, where he played from 2016 to 2018. He then signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019, spending three seasons as a special teams standout before joining the Broncos in 2022. He earned the captain’s armband in 2024 — not because he was the loudest, but because he was the most consistent. The kind of player you trust with your life on the field.
His teammates responded with quiet solidarity. Quarterback Bo Nix spoke briefly in a team video, saying, "We’re all behind him. He’s shown us what real strength looks like." The Broncos’ "Broncos in 60" series featured a segment titled "ILB Alex Singleton discusses successful surgery after testicular cancer diagnosis," highlighting his calm resolve.
What This Means for the NFL and Athletes Everywhere
This story isn’t just about football. It’s about how systems we assume are punitive — like random drug testing — can become lifesaving. The NFL’s health protocols, often criticized, may have just prevented a tragedy. Singleton’s case could spark a broader conversation: should all professional athletes be screened for early signs of cancers linked to hormone markers? Should leagues fund more proactive health initiatives beyond performance?
For now, the focus is on recovery. Singleton has already begun light rehab. He’s scheduled to return to team meetings next week. He hasn’t ruled out playing again this season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Alex Singleton’s cancer get detected?
Singleton’s testicular cancer was detected after elevated levels of the hormone hCG appeared in a routine NFL-mandated drug test. While hCG is often associated with pregnancy, it can also signal testicular cancer in men. The Broncos’ medical staff immediately followed up with imaging, confirming a tumor within hours of the initial result.
What’s Singleton’s prognosis and expected return timeline?
Doctors believe Singleton’s cancer is stage 1, which carries a 95% five-year survival rate. His surgery was successful, and no further treatment like chemo is currently needed. He’s expected to return to football activities in weeks, not months, with a possible return to game action before the end of the 2025 season.
Why is this case significant for professional sports?
Singleton’s case highlights how league-mandated health screenings — often seen as punitive — can save lives. It’s rare for cancer to be detected this early without symptoms. His story may push the NFL and other leagues to expand routine screenings for hormone-related cancers, especially in contact sports where players are under constant physical stress.
How has the Denver Broncos organization responded?
The Broncos have made Singleton’s health their top priority, activating him from the reserve list and releasing multiple supportive videos. Coach Vance Joseph has adjusted the defense to compensate for his absence, while teammates like Bo Nix have publicly voiced their support. The team is not rushing his return — they’re prioritizing long-term recovery over short-term roster needs.
What role did the Canadian Football League play in Singleton’s career?
Singleton played for the Calgary Stampeders from 2016 to 2018, where he developed into a dominant linebacker and special teams ace. His CFL experience taught him discipline and resilience — traits that later helped him earn a roster spot with the Eagles and eventually become team captain in Denver. Many credit his CFL years for shaping his gritty, unflappable demeanor.
Is testicular cancer common among NFL players?
Testicular cancer is rare in the general population — about 1 in 250 men will develop it — but it’s the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 35, which overlaps with many NFL players’ careers. While there’s no public data on NFL-specific rates, Singleton’s case underscores the importance of regular check-ups. His story may encourage more athletes to seek medical attention for subtle hormonal changes.
