On Wednesday night, the NFL world was rocked by the announcement from tight end Foster Moreau that he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Moreau revealed he became aware that he had the condition after a routine medical during a free agent visit to the New Orleans Saints.
What Is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
According to the Mayo Clinic website, Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the body’s immune system, and in this condition, white blood cells (a lymphocyte) grow in an uncontrolled manner.
This is caused by a change in the white blood cell DNA, causing the cell to multiply rapidly and continue living, which is abnormal for that cell type. There are multiple different types of Hodgkin lymphoma, and the type can determine the treatment options.
Hodgkin lymphoma can develop at any age, but it mostly affects people between the ages of 20 to 40 and those over 55. The American Cancer Society estimates that there are around 8,800 new cases and that the disease is slightly more prevalent in males than females.
It is worth noting that Hodgkin’s lymphoma is currently considered to be one of the most-treatable cancers. The diagnostic and treatment advances have helped to give people with the disease a chance to fully recover, and people diagnosed with the cancer continue to have an improved prognosis as time goes on.
There are a number of different treatment options for Hodgkin lymphoma, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The cancer has four stages, with stage one being considered the least serious, and stage four being considered the most serious. Moreau did not reveal in his initial statement the stage of his cancer.
Foster Moreau Steps Away From the NFL
In his tweet, Moreau revealed that he will step away from football but intends to return after receiving treatment.
“Through somewhat of a miraculous process, this Free Agency period has been life changing for me. During a routine physical conducted by the Saint’s medical team down in New Orleans, I’ve come to learn that I have Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and will be stepping away from football.
“At this time to fight a new opponent: Cancer. I’m grateful for the support and thankful for people who have stood firm with me. There hasn’t been a single step I’ve taken without hundreds of people lighting the path before me, and I will continue to seek their guidance.
“That being said, I’ll go kick this thing’s ass and get back to doing what I love! AMDG!”
The Saints’ doctor, Dr. John Amoss, previously helped diagnose a heart condition for former Philadelphia Eagles long snapper Jon Dorenbos, and according to Jeff Duncan of the Time-Picayune/NOLA.com, also detected a heart condition for Nick Fairly in 2017.
Moreau was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. He played four years with the team, posting numbers of 1,107 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns on 91 receptions from 132 targets. He is coming off a career year for receptions and yards as he headed into free agency at the end of his rookie contract.