Jets' Bowles had golf ball-sized tumor removed from throat

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) New York Jets coach Todd Bowles says he had a non-cancerous, golf ball-sized tumor removed from his throat shortly after the team's season concluded.

According to Newsday and NJ Advance Media, Bowles revealed the procedure to a few reporters after a news conference at the NFL scouting combine Wednesday.

Bowles says he felt the mass - ''It was almost the size of a golf ball'' - in the front of his neck last September. Tests revealed the growth was benign, but caused him some trouble swallowing because it was pressing against the artery in his neck.

Bowles was able to put off surgery until about two weeks after the end of his first season as coach of the Jets. He says he won't need any follow-up treatments.

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