Ron Rivera diagnosed with cancer
August 21, 2020
by Steve Thomas
Washington announced late Thursday night that its head coach, Ron Rivera, has been diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a lymph node. According to the team’s public statement, the cancer is in an early stage and is “considered very treatable and curable”. Washington indicated that, for the time being, the business of coaching the team will continue as usual; however, a “Plan B” is in place in the event that Rivera has to take time off as a result.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter originally tweeted the news, providing:
The 58-year-old Ron Rivera has consulted with a number of doctors and specialists and is establishing a treatment plan with the team and an outside specialist. For now, it’s business as usual for Washington but a “Plan B” is in place. https://t.co/7SsmnAfy2w
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020
Rivera asked Schefter to pass on Rivera’s gratitude to the team medical and training staff:
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
Rivera gave additional insight into his state of mind and the team’s reaction:
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
Rivera indicated to Schefter that he intends to continue coaching:
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
This is certainly stunning news for a team that has made recent progress towards turning a corner away from years of chaos and organizational dysfunction, culminating with a complete front office turnover and loss of the team’s 83 year old “Redskins” nickname. The team’s entire statement is as follows:
Coach Ron Rivera was recently diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) located in a lymph node and detected from a self-care check. This cancer is in an early stage and is considered very treatable and curable, providing a good prognosis for Coach Rivera for a full recovery. Coach Rivera has consulted with leading Doctors and Oncology Specialists and is establishing his treatment plan in conjunction with the team’s medical staff and his outside physicians. For now, Coach has asked that the team keep things business as usual and remain focused, but a “Plan B” is in place if it is determined that he should take some time off.
Coach Rivera wishes to extend his thanks to the team doctors and athletic trainers, and all of the healthcare specialists who will be assisting him through his treatment plan. In addition, Coach Rivera wishes to extend his heartfelt thanks to the Snyders, coaches, players, staff and fans of the Washington Football Team, as well as his family for their love and support during this time.
The Washington Football Team wishes Coach Rivera a speedy recovery, and we will be supporting him every step of the way.