ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Broncos assistant coach Zack Grossi is taking leave from the team to receive treatment after he was diagnosed with cancer.
Grossi, 35, is the Broncos’ passing game specialist who is considered one of the NFL’s rising offensive coaches as he’s drawn interest from multiple teams in recent years. He is involved in the Broncos’ offensive game plan each week and a strong voice on game day.
This is his third season on the Broncos’ coaching staff and eighth year overall in the NFL.
Grossi shared his situation to the team’s website because he wanted to raise awareness for those fighting cancer and to encourage preventative screenings:
“For the last three months, I felt a little bit off, and recently, I began to have trouble breathing. Last week, I went to the Broncos’ medical staff, and they told me we needed to run several tests. I underwent bloodwork and a scan, and that’s when they found the tumor in my chest cavity.
“Officially, I have been diagnosed with a Yolk Sac Tumor.
“The diagnosis is scary, but the good news is it’s highly treatable.”
Yolk Sac Tumor is a rare malignant, germ cell cancer. Grossi added he will begin chemotherapy next week with the treatment continuing for a few months. Once he finishes his chemo sessions, he will have the remaining tumor surgically removed.
The revelation of Grossi’s cancer diagnosis comes as the NFL is raising awareness for cancer in October through its “Crucial Catch” campaign. Sunday’s game marks the Broncos’ annual “Fight Like a Bronco” game honoring cancer survivors and caregivers.
Grossi’s situation touched the hearts of the Broncos’ organization from top to bottom. Owners Greg Penner and Carrie Walton Penner, head coach Sean Payton, assistant coaches and others from the team have been in communication with him on a daily basis, including the team’s medical staff and family resource network.
“Our unwavering support is with Zack and his family as he takes some time away to focus on his health,” Payton said in a statement on the team’s website. “Knowing what Zack is all about and talking with him since his diagnosis, I have no doubt he will 'Fight Like a Bronco.' We’ll be with him every step of the way and can’t wait to welcome him back to our staff.”
Grossi is attacking his challenge with the positive mindset and determination he is known for. He decided to go public with his cancer diagnosis to help other patients understand they are not alone.
“My approach isn’t so different than getting ready for a game,’’ Grossi said. “I’ll stay the course, keep working and keep grinding. Day by day is my motto. I have marching orders from my doctors, and I’m trusting the process.
“I don’t want to put a date on my return, but I can’t wait to get back to doing what I love.
“After I was diagnosed, the outreach from Greg Penner, Carrie Walton Penner and the Broncos was immediate. The night of my scan, Greg texted me to tell me I had his and Carrie’s full support. From Sean Payton to George Paton to Beau Lowery, Vince Garcia, Dr. Steven Geraghty and Dr. Andrea Holland, the Broncos’ support was truly overwhelming. They have gone above and beyond, and it’s hard to put into words what it means to me.
“Everything they’ve done for me, my wife, Jacqueline, and my daughter, Sophia, has been first class. That includes the Broncos Family Network, which has been incredible to my wife.
“There’s times — because of all the support — when I feel like the luckiest man in the world.
“For anybody that has recently received a diagnosis or is currently fighting cancer, I want you to find your team, too. And I want you to know you’re not fighting this alone. It’s about never giving up. That’s what 'Fight Like a Bronco' is all about.
“It’s also incredibly important to me to encourage Broncos Country to prioritize early screenings. If you feel something, trust it. Remember: Not all cancers show up in your bloodwork. Make sure you’re utilizing the physicals, bloodwork, scans and screenings that are available to you.
“And as I undergo treatment, I have only one goal in mind: to kick this tumor’s you-know-what and get back to leading my family, helping to raise our daughter and continuing my career.”
