Foster Moreau, a former Las Vegas Raiders tight end, stated in a series of Wednesday night tweets that he was “stepping away” from professional football after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s cancer.
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 (1/3)
— Foster Moreau (@fhmoreau) March 22, 2023
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. (2/3)
— Foster Moreau (@fhmoreau) March 22, 2023
That being said, I’ll go kick this thing’s ass and get back to doing what I love! AMDG!
— Foster Moreau (@fhmoreau) March 22, 2023
During a routine medical examination, the New Orleans Saints’ medical staff made the diagnosis, according to the 25-year-old, through a “miraculous process.”
“Through somewhat of a miraculous process, this free agency period has been life changing for me,” according to Moreau. “After a regular checkup done by the Saints’ medical staff in New Orleans, I discovered that I had Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I will be leaving football for the time being to face a new foe: cancer. I’m thankful for the support and for those who have stood by my side. I have never taken a single step without hundreds of individuals illuminating the way, and I will continue to seek their direction.
“That being said, I’ll go kick this thing’s a** and get back to doing what I love! AMDG!”
The acronym AMDG is derived from the Latin phrase Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which means “for the greater glory of God.” It is the motto of the Jesuits, also known as the Society of Jesus. Moreau attended a Jesuit high school yet played collegiate baseball for Louisiana State University.
Following the 2019 NFL draft, Moreau spent four years with the Raiders before hitting free agency.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Hodgkin’s lymphoma affects the immune system, causing swelling and growths across the body due to the overproduction of lymphocytes, a kind of immunological bloody cell.
“Advances in diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma have helped give people with this disease the chance for a full recovery,” according to the clinic’s website.
Undoubtedly, this was the expectation of Twitter users.
Praying for full recovery and for God’s peace to cover your mind and soul as you fight this thing 🙏🏽💪🏽
— Brandon Parker (@brandoncparker) March 22, 2023
Prayers up for you man!
— DeeJay Johnson (@Go_DeeJay21) March 22, 2023
Prayers for a speedy and full recovery! 🙏🏾
— Nolan Harrison III, MBA (@NolanHarrison74) March 23, 2023
“The 5-year relative survival rate for all patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma is now about 89%,” the American Cancer Society says, although there are of course many factors that could affect an individual’s chances of survival and recovery.
Several of these, like age and general health, appear to be on Moreau’s side.