Free-Agent TE Foster Moreau Announces He's Stepping Away Due to Hodgkin Lymphoma

Free-agent tight end Foster Moreau announced that he will be stepping away from football after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.

"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 at this time to fight a new opponent: Cancer," Moreau wrote on Twitter. He later added that he fully intends to return to his playing career, saying, "I'll go kick this thing's ass and get back to doing what I love!"

A fourth-round pick in the 2019 draft, Moreau had spent the first four years of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders before becoming a free agent this offseason. He appeared in 15 games last season and recorded career-highs of 33 catches and 420 receiving yards while adding two touchdowns. For his career, he's totaled 91 receptions, 1,107 yards and 12 scores.

Prior to joining the NFL, Moreau spent four years with the LSU Tigers. As a senior in 2018, he was teammates with quarterback Joe Burrow and receiver Ja'Marr Chase. He registered 52 receptions for 629 yards and six touchdowns during his collegiate career and went on to receive an invite to the 2019 Senior Bowl.

The 25-year-old offered a positive outlook and expressed optimism about his upcoming treatment for the disease.

"I'm grateful for the support and thankful for people who have stood firm with me," he said. "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."

ESPN's Adam Schefter noted that this is the second time the Saints medical staff has detected a serious health problem during a physical examination, as long-snapper Jon Dorenbos was found to have an aortic aneurysm that required open-heart surgery when he took his physical with the team in 2017.