Alex Brandon / Associated Press
Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera has been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the neck, the coach told ESPNs Adam Schefter on Thursday.
Rivera sei the cancer – which was diagnosed two weeks ago – is in its early stages and is being considered “completely treated and cured. ”
Schefter provided more information about Rivera:
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter
Rivera would like to express his gratitude to team doctors, trainers and health care specialists for assisting him through treatments. He would also like to thank the Snyders, the entire organization in Washington, his assistant coaches, players, fans, friends and family for their love and support https://t.co/EhzhtG3lIv
Rivera shared the news on Thursday night with his team.
“Some were dumb,” he said, per Schefter. “A bell came up and wished me well. I said, ‘I’m going to get a little sicker, so don’t piss me off.'”
Rivera is on his way to his first season as Washington coach after being hired for the job in January. He plans to coach this season despite the diagnosis.
“I plan to go on coaching,” Rivera said, per Schefter. “Doctors also encouraged me to do it. They said, ‘If you feel strong, do it. Do not slow down, do your physical activities.’ But everyone tells me by week three or four, you’ll start feeling it. “
Rivera told it Schefter the team also has a back-up plan in case he is unable to continue with coaching.
Rivera has already made a significant impact on the franchise, helps to push for the possible change of mascot. The team announced in July, the coach will have a role in deciding the new team name.
The 58-year-old has spent the previous nine years with the Carolina Panthers, leading the squad to a 76-63-1 record. He led the team to the Super Bowl after going 15-1 in the 2015 season and had four playoff appearances in his first seven seasons with Carolina.
Rivera has more than two decades of experience in the NFL, and spent time with four different organizations before joining Washington this year.
He was also the only person from an under-represented group among the five head coaches hired this offseason.
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