#Washington Football Team coach Ron Rivera has cancer

A challenging offseason for coach Ron Rivera just got more much more difficult.

The 58-year-old Washington Football team coach told ESPN that he was diagnosed with lymph node cancer after a self check. Rivera shared the news with his team, telling them the cancer is in the early stages and is considered “very treatable and curable.”

Lymph nodes are small structures that work as filters for harmful substances and many are located in the head and neck region.

According to ESPN, Rivera still will coach the team for now, but a “Plan B” is in place. Rivera consulted with doctors and specialists, according to the report, and is establishing a treatment plan with the team and an outside specialist.

The veteran coach, who has been charged with turning around a struggling Washington team, told the network that he is thankful for doctors, trainers and healthcare specialists helping him with his treatment and wanted to express his gratitude toward owner Daniel Snyder and the entire Washington organization for their support.

Rivera, who said he feels in good health, also said he was shocked by the news.

“I was stunned,’ Rivera said. “But I was angry because I feel like I’m in best health I’ve been in.”

Rivera said he had a lot of support from the players when he told them the news, but he also gave them a funny warning.

“Some were stunned,” he told the network. “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.’ ”

Rivera has been involved in discussions for a new nickname for the team formerly known as the Redskins, but this year they will be known as the Washington Football team.