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Update: Statement from the Washington Football Team
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) August 21, 2020
Adam Schefter is reporting that Washington Football Team Head Coach Ron Rivera has been diagnosed with lymph node cancer. It is in the early stages and treatable. Rivera informed the team tonight, and Washington has a Plan B in place.
Washington Head Coach Ron Rivera tells me he has been diagnosed with lymph node cancer after a self check. Rivera shared the news with his team tonight but says the cancer is in the early stages and is considered “very treatable and curable”.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020
Rivera wants to pass along his gratitude to team doctors, trainers and health-care specialists for helping him through treatments. He also wants to thank the Snyders, the entire Washington organization, his assistant coaches, players, fans, friends and family for love and support https://t.co/EhzhtG3lIv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020
Ron Rivera to ESPN on his reaction to the news that he had lymph node cancer: "I was stunned. But I was angry because I feel like I feel like I’m in best health I’ve been in."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020
Ron Rivera told his team tonight that he had cancer. "Some were stunned. A bunch came up and wished me well. I said, 'I’m going to be a little more cranky, so don’t piss me off.' "
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020
More Ron Rivera: “I’m planning to go on coaching. Doctors encouraged me to do it, too. They said, ‘If you feel strongly, do it. Don’t slow down, do your physical activities.’ But everyone keeps telling me by week three or four, you’ll start feeling it.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020
To be clear and specific, Washington HC Ron Rivera has Squamous cell cancer of his neck. He was diagnosed with it two weeks ago. He told his team about it tonight. He plans to go on coaching this season, but has set up backup plans as well.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020
Rivera reportedly discovered a lump on his neck in early July. When the lump didn’t go away after a few weeks, he visited a doctor. He learned he had cancer two weeks ago. Nothing since seemed out of the ordinary with Rivera as he regularly led practices and met with the media via Zoom.