Ron Rivera Diagnosed with Cancer

In a year that will never end and for a franchise where bad news is a middle name, Head Coach Ron Rivera has been diagnosed with cancer.

Stephanie, Christopher, Courtney and I thank you ALL for your love and support. https://t.co/FRESjLqpoz
— Ron Rivera (@RiverboatRonHC) August 21, 2020

Rivera first told Adam Schefter of the news.

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

The good news is that Rivera will get great health care and treatment and Dan Snyder will spare no expense in making sure that Rivera gets the best doctors and medical care.

The 58-year-old Ron Rivera has consulted with a number of doctors and specialists and is establishing a treatment plan with the team and an outside specialist. For now, it’s business as usual for Washington but a “Plan B” is in place. https://t.co/7SsmnAfy2w
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020

From a football standpoint - "Plan B" is Jack Del Rio, a source said late Thursday night, as interim head coach, simply because he's been one for nearly 200 games.

Rivera wants to pass along his gratitude to team doctors, trainers and health-care specialists for helping him through treatments. He also wants to thank the Snyders, the entire Washington organization, his assistant coaches, players, fans, friends and family for love and support https://t.co/EhzhtG3lIv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020

We are just getting to know Rivera on a professional basis but having to keep this hidden over the last period of time, while also dealing with the mess that he had to deal with running the football operations - must have been excruciating personally and professionally.

Rivera wants to pass along his gratitude to team doctors, trainers and health-care specialists for helping him through treatments. He also wants to thank the Snyders, the entire Washington organization, his assistant coaches, players, fans, friends and family for love and support https://t.co/EhzhtG3lIv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020

Sadly cancer spares no expense at ruining lives and putting everything in perspective, no matter where and how you are doing life.

Ron Rivera to ESPN on his reaction to the news that he had lymph node cancer: "I was stunned. But I was angry because I feel like I feel like I’m in best health I’ve been in."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020

Rivera has been a bit grumpy at practice with his team's execution issues and maybe a bit shorter than usual with some of his answers to reporter questions, but now we all understand why.

Ron Rivera told his team tonight that he had cancer. "Some were stunned. A bunch came up and wished me well. I said, 'I’m going to be a little more cranky, so don’t piss me off.' "
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2020

SI.com & "Washington Football" has reached out to Rivera to wish him well. Rivera did respond on Friday afternoon but I'm choosing to keep that exchange private out of respect for Rivera & his medical situation.

Now it's time for Washington Football fans and the NFL community to rally behind Rivera, who has helped many in the game do their jobs.

It's time to help and support him. It's time to show him what he's always given the game. Compassion, understanding and love.

Get well soon, Ron! We're all rooting for you.

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Chris Russell is the Publisher of this site, a part of SI.com. He can be heard on 106.7 The FAN in the Washington D.C. area and world-wide on Radio.com. Chris also hosts the "Locked on Washington Football Team" Podcast and can be read via subscription to Warpath Magazine. You can e-mail Chris at russellmania09@Gmail.com or follow him on Twitter at @Russellmania621