The Denver Broncos are looking to notch their 10th win of the season in Week 13. However, a moment from a previous game has resurfaced for two players, linebacker Alex Singleton and safety Talanoa Hufanga.
Singleton is in his fourth season with the Broncos. Hufanga, his first. Both players have experienced injuries, just like most NFL players.
Their response to one suffered by a rival, though, led that player to speak out.
Texans’ C.J. Stroud Sends Strong Message to Broncos’ Alex Singleton & Talanoa Hufanga
GettyKris Abrams-Draine #31 of the Denver Broncos tackles C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud took to the podium for a media session for the first time since incurring a concussion in Week 9 against Hufanga, Singleton, and the Broncos. The injury occurred on a hit from second-year Broncos cornerback Kris Abrams-Draine.
No flag was thrown, as Abrams-Draine’s hit was legal, nor were any fines levied. However, Hufanga drew attention in the immediate aftermath as he was seen kneeling on the field,
He was praying for Stroud, who said Singleton was among the Broncos players acting similarly.
“I just am grateful for all the prayers. Just want to say to the Broncos defense, some of them, I heard them praying for me. I really appreciate that. Like Hufanga and Singleton, and some of those guys,” Stroud told reporters on November 28.
“I really appreciate them doing that. Of course, my teammates and our fan bases. So, everybody’s prayers, and just thoughts, really. I appreciated that.”
Stroud’s mother, Kimberly, also expressed gratitude over the outpouring of support.
“I just want to thank everyone for their prayers,” Stroud’s mother told reporters attending a charity event for The C.J. Stroud Foundation on November 7. “The outpour of love for my son has just been amazing. It really made me know that people do see him beyond the field.”
Broncos Veterans Have Experienced Difficult Health Issues
GettyAlex Singleton #49 of the Denver Broncos celebrates an incomplete pass against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Hufanga has suffered two confirmed concussions during his career, just as Stroud has, both while with the San Francisco 49ers. He did not miss any time in either instance.
Singleton has never had a confirmed concussion in his NFL career.
He was, however, diagnosed with testicular cancer before facing the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 10 of this season and missed the Broncos’ Week 11 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs following surgery to address the issue.
Singleton, a long-time advocate for people with special needs, thanks to inspiration from his Special Olympian sister, has added early cancer screening advocacy to his resume.
Singleton had a much different past with Stroud before his kind gesture.
The two got into a fracas during the 2023 season, Stroud’s rookie campaign and Singleton’s second in Denver. Stroud and the Texans false-started on fourth-and-2. Singleton continued to Stroud, making contact and drawing a 15-yard penalty, gifting the Texans a first down.
Hufanga and Singleton were both voted team captains this season, which is especially notable for the former, since he is in his first season.
Their concern for Stroud may not have been unique.
Players often express concern for one another following injuries, regardless of team affiliation, particularly those to the head. Nonetheless, it underscores the kind of leadership both players showed to earn the patches on their jerseys this season.
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