The Denver Broncos are riding high with an 8-2 record, leading the AFC West. But amid all the on-field success came unexpected off-field news, linebacker Alex Singleton, who underwent surgery for testicular cancer last Friday, has finally broken his silence.

Singleton took to Instagram to thank his fans, assuring them he’s doing well. He wrote, “Thank you everyone for your kind words won’t be able to reach everyone but just know every word has been felt ❤.”

Singleton was diagnosed with testicular cancer early, which allowed for a smooth recovery. The linebacker expressed his gratitude. “I’m thankful we caught it early. I’ll be back soon,” Singleton said in a statement crediting his medical team.

Doctors discovered the cancer after a routine drug test showed elevated levels of the hormone hCG.

The 31-year-old has been one of Denver’s most reliable defenders, rarely missing a snap and often serving as the emotional anchor of the unit. His absence, temporary or not, leaves a major gap in communication and leadership on defense. However, the linebacker did gave a hint about his return.

He assured fans, “I’m not giving an exact timetable yet, but I should recover pretty quickly from the surgery and then get up and running here pretty soon,” Singleton said on Monday. “But I for sure will be missing this weekend.”

Without Singleton, the Broncos will rely on Dre Greenlaw and Justin Strnad. Both are among the most experienced defenders on Denver’s roster aside from Singleton.

Linebacker Justin Strnad, who started in Singleton’s place last season when he was out with an ACL injury, choked up while discussing his teammate’s latest challenge. “It doesn’t surprise me with Alex,” Strnad said. “We’re all going to be here to help him through it.”

Strnad reflected on how Singleton battled back from a season-ending knee injury in 2024 to reclaim his starting role this year.

Through it all, Singleton has stayed deeply dedicated to football.

Singleton heroic performance before the surgery

Singleton had a great game vs the Raiders, just hours before surgery. He recorded nine tackles in 10-7 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, knowing he’d have a procedure just the next morning.

”I got to fully immerse myself in football,” he said. ”Playing Thursday night here in our throwbacks made me block out everything that was going on in my mind.” The post-game celebration took on new meaning when teammates found out he’d been battling something far greater than any opponent.

Doctors later confirmed the cancer had not spread, and Singleton’s surgery was a success, a massive relief to the organization and its fan base.

Next up is a big divisional matchup for Denver against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High. With both Singleton and cornerback Pat Surtain II out due to key injuries, the Broncos’ defense will be put to quite a test against Patrick Mahomes and a desperate Chiefs offense.

But his teammates stand as one for their captain’s recovery: “Our number one priority is Alex’s health and well-being, and we are grateful it appears the cancer was caught early,” the Broncos said in a statement on X.

The timing of Denver’s upcoming bye could give Singleton the rest he needs for a potential late-season return, one that would mark not just a comeback, but a triumph of spirit and grit.