Denver Broncos coach is diagnosed with cancer

The Denver Broncos have announced that a member of their coaching staff is currently battling cancer after a recent diagnosis.

Zack Grossi, who was promoted to Passing Game Specialist this year after first joining the team as Offensive Quality Control coach in 2022, began chemotherapy this week after being diagnosed with a yolk sac tumor on his chest.

Before their game against the LA Chargers on Sunday, Broncos head coach Sean Payton encouraged the 35-year-old Grossi and insisted the team would support him “every step of the way.”

“Our continued support goes out to Zack and his family as he takes some time to focus on his health,” Payton said. “Knowing what Zack faces and talking to him since his diagnosis, I have no doubt he will fight like a bronco.

“We will be with him every step of the way and can’t wait to welcome him back to our staff.”

Grossi also spoke out after his diagnosis, revealing in a positive statement that his tumor is “very treatable” despite admitting it was a “terrifying” situation.

“I’ve been part of a team since I was 8 years old. As I begin my battle with cancer, I have found peace in knowing that I am not alone,” he said.

‘For the past three months I’ve been feeling a bit bad, and recently I started having trouble breathing. Last week I went to the Broncos medical staff and they told me we had to run several tests. I had blood tests and a scan, and then they found the tumor in my chest cavity.

‘I have been officially diagnosed with a yolk sac tumor.

‘The diagnosis is frightening, but the good news is that the disease is easily treatable. I started chemotherapy this week and after a few more months of chemo I will have surgery to remove the remaining tumor.

‘My approach is not that different from preparing for a competition. I’ll stay the course, keep working and keep grinding. Day after day is my motto. I have marching orders from my doctors and I trust the process.”

Although he wouldn’t put a date on it, Grossi says he’s already looking forward to returning to his post with the Broncos.

Head coach Sean Payton says the team will be with Grossi “every step of the way.”

He ended his moving statement by saying, “For anyone who has recently been diagnosed or is currently battling cancer, I want you to find your team too. And I want you to know that you are not fighting this alone. It’s about never giving up. That’s what Fight Like A Bronco is all about.

“It is also incredibly important to me to encourage Broncos Country to prioritize early showings. If you feel something, trust it. Remember: Not all cancers will show up in your blood work. Make sure you take advantage of the physical exams, blood tests, scans and screenings available to you.

“And as I undergo treatment, I have one goal in mind: to shake off the you-know-what of this tumor and get back to leading my family, helping raise our daughter and furthering my career.”