Washington Football Team: Ron Rivera diagnosed with ‘very treatable and curable’ cancer
Washington Football Team coach Ron Rivera has been diagnosed with a “very treatable and curable” former of cancer.
The Washington Football Team has undergone a tumultuous offseason and has had a difficult couple of months. Between their name change, a sexual harassment against former team employees, and the troubles that have surrounded the release of Derrius Guice, they have been in the headlines for everything but their on-field performance.
Now, another unfortunate story has broken, although this one is of a different ilk.
On Thursday night, it was confirmed that Ron Rivera was diagnosed with lymph node cancer. That’s the bad news, but the good news is that the cancer is considered “very treatable and curable”, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Twitter.
Washington Head Coach Ron Rivera tells me he has been diagnosed with lymph node cancer after a self check. Rivera shared the news with his team tonight but says the cancer is in the early stages and is considered “very treatable and curable”.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020
This is certainly tough news. Hopefully, Rivera will make a speedy recovery. By all accounts, he’s an excellent, high-character person and is well respected by everyone in the NFL. And in just eight short months with the Washington Football Team, his impact on the team culture has been noticeable.
It’s unclear how Rivera’s diagnosis will impact the team. It seems that he will continue to coach moving forward — Schefter is reporting it will be “business as usual” — but he could take a leave of absence if needed. Of course, the current COVID-19 pandemic could have an impact on any decision he makes but whatever he does, he will certainly have the full support of the players, front office, and fans alike.
In the event that Rivera needs to miss any period of time — the “Plan B” situation as Schefter referred to it — Jack Del Rio would likely take over as the interim head coach. Del Rio has over a decade worth of experience as a head coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the then-Oakland Raiders, so he could take over short-term if needed.
We’ll soon see what happens with this situation. But again, the most important thing is that Rivera takes the time needed to get well.
Notes from Day 3 of Washington's padded practice. dark. Next
We here at Riggo’s Rag extend our best wishes to Ron Rivera and his family. May you get well soon, coach.