Broncos’ Nik Bonitto Shares Powerful Message After Alex Singleton’s Cancer News

Nik Bonitto praised fellow linebacker Alex Singleton after Singleton revealed he underwent successful surgery for testicular cancer the day after Denver’s win over the Raiders. Bonitto called Singleton’s example “amazing” and “a big motivation,” echoing a locker room that rallied around its captain. 

Alex Singleton Age, Injury, Stats

Singleton, 31, has been an every-game starter for the Broncos this season. The linebacker amassed 89 combined tackles, three for a loss and a forced fumble. He also posted nine stops in the win over Las Vegas, playing with his diagnosis.

During the 2024 season he suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 3, though the tough linebacker played through the tear. Singleton revealed the cancer diagnosis and tumor surgery for its removal earlier this week. 

A seventh-year inside linebacker from Montana State, Singleton entered the NFL with Seattle as a college free agent on May 2, 2015. He sharpened his game in the CFL with Calgary from 2016–18 before returning stateside to play for Philadelphia from 2019–21 and signing with Denver as an unrestricted free agent on March 20, 2022.

‘No Question He’s a Captain’: Bonitto on Singleton

Speaking with local reporters, Bonitto said only a select few inside the building knew what Singleton was facing. 

“It was pretty crazy — there was probably a select few people that knew, probably only the guys in this group,” Bonitto said to a local reporter scrum, adding that seeing Singleton play through the mental and physical strain was “really amazing.” He added, “I’m happy he had a successful surgery and hopefully the recovery goes well.”

Bonitto also pointed to why teammates voted Singleton a captain. “There’s no question why he’s a captain for our team,” Bonitto said. “It’s a big motivation for everybody else… We’ve been going through adversity all year, but what he’s going through means a little bit more.” 

How Singleton’s Diagnosis Was Discovered – NFL Drug Test 

Singleton, said an NFL drug test flagged elevated hCG levels, which can indicate testicular cancer and prompted further evaluation. After additional testing and an ultrasound, doctors confirmed the diagnosis last week. Less than 24 hours after logging nine tackles in a 10–7 win over the Raiders, Singleton had surgery to remove the tumor. The team and Singleton have expressed optimism that the cancer was caught early. 

The Broncos highlighted Singleton’s positive outlook in a team update Monday, while teammates voiced support. 

Timeline & What’s Next for Denver

Singleton shared the news with teammates before addressing it publicly, noting he expects to return in the coming weeks pending additional test results. Multiple outlets reported he could miss at least the upcoming game, with a favorable prognosis overall.

Before surgery, Singleton led Denver in tackles this season and has 89 through 10 games, per league stat services. 

As the Broncos sort through next steps, Bonitto’s message carried the theme of the day: Singleton’s battle is inspiring a team already accustomed to adversity in 2025, and still holds an 8-2 record and sits near the top of the NFL standings. The football schedule matters, but, as Bonitto put it, Singleton’s fight “means a little bit more.”

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