Ron Rivera has cancer. The new head coach of the Washington Football team told ESPN that he has lymph node cancer, per Adam Schefter. Ron Rivera said the following:
I was stunned. But I was angry because I feel like I’m in the best health I’ve been in.
This is just devastating to both Ron Rivera and the Washington Football Team. The fact that Ron Rivera has cancer will put incredible strain on both him and his family, especially during Covid-19. However, Ron Rivera won’t let this stop him from coaching as he said the following according to Adam Schefter:
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 has also provided more specifics as he tweeted the following:
To be clear and specific, Washington HC Ron Rivera has Squamous cell cancer of his neck. He was diagnosed with it two weeks ago. He told his team about it tonight. He plans to go on coaching this season, but has set up backup plans as well.
Cancer is a scary thing. I hope that Ron Rivera does not lose his life over this. Ron Rivera was brought into Washington to provide a much needed culture change. With all the past events with Washington and all the crap coming to light, the franchise is in deep water. The change from the name “Redskins” is only the beginning.
Yes, Ron Rivera is choosing to continue coaching but if he needs to leave for any reason then the team is done. This Washington team will not win more than 1 game without Ron Rivera. Washington is in no position to win anything this year. Removing the stress of expectations could help Ron Rivera manage. I’m hoping that Ron Rivera beats cancer’s ass and comes back stronger.
