Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton secured a $15.5 million contract months after battling testicular cancer during the 2025 NFL season while leading his team in tackles
19:37 ET, 09 Mar 2026
Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton prepares for a game against the Houston Texans
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Denver Broncos linebacker Alex Singleton was awared with a new contract after facing battles both on and off of the field(Image: AP)
The Denver Broncos are bringing back one of the toughest players on their NFL roster from last season after linebacker Alex Singleton agreed to a two-year contract worth $15.5 million with $11 million guaranteed. The organization rewarded the veteran months after he played through a cancer diagnosis, while he still led the team in tackles.
The deal was announced on Monday and secures Singleton’s position at the heart of the Broncos defense, which was considered the best in the NFL next to the Houston Texans, and caps off one of the most remarkable personal stories the league has seen in recent years.
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Singleton's diagnosis was unexpected after a routine NFL drug test revealed high levels of hCG. In males, elevated hCG often indicates testicular cancer, necessitating prompt medical testing.
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Despite the startling diagnosis, Singleton played for the Broncos during a Thursday night matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 6, knowing surgery was already scheduled for the following morning.
Less than 24 hours after playing in the game, he underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tumor along with his right testicle. Doctors quickly determined the cancer had been caught early and had not spread to other parts of his body, which allowed Singleton to focus entirely on recovery.
He immediately returned to the Broncos lineup only 23 days after surgery, missing just one game.
Alex Singleton makes a stop against the Las Vegas Raiders
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Singleton signed a $15.5 million deal to remain in Denver(Image: Getty Images)
Facing the Washington Commanders, Singleton played 89 of 90 defensive snaps and recorded a season-high 13 tackles and instantly reestablished himself as a vital piece to the team's success.
The performance became one of the defining moments of the Broncos' season and helped Singleton earn the team’s Ed Block Courage Award. Teammates vote on the honor and recognize players who exemplify superior commitment and perseverance.
Beyond football, Singleton has also used his experience to raise awareness about testicular cancer and the importance of early detection.
Alex Singleton wraps up Ashton Jeanty at Mile High Stadium
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Singleton led the Broncos in tackles last season
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The linebacker has discussed how routine testing helped detect the disease early, which doctors say significantly improves survival rates. The 32-year-old continues to be one of Denver’s most reliable tacklers and defensive leaders alongside stars such as Pat Surtain II, Nik Bonitto, and Zach Allen.
He originally entered the league as an undrafted prospect in 2015 and was a 1st-round, 6th-overall pick in the Canadian Football League in 2016.
Singleton fought his way through multiple short-lived stints with the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Minnesota Vikings, and Philadelphia Eagles rosters before becoming a full-time starter.