NFL tight end Foster Moreau’s life changed completely earlier this offseason.
Following a physical with the New Orleans Saints, it was revealed that the 26-year-old had Hodgkin lymphoma. He announced that he would be stepping away from football in order to “fight” a new opponent.
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
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
Nearly two months later, it seems like he’s winning that battle. According to a Wednesday report, Moreau has agreed to a three-year deal with the Saints. The Louisiana State University product plans to play in the 2023 campaign and has a positive diagnosis on his recovery.
Quite the comeback in the works: TE Foster Moreau and the #Saints have agreed to terms on a three-year, $12-million deal including $8 million guaranteed and $3 million in incentives, agent @JLSports3 told ESPN.
Moreau has a positive diagnosis on his Hodgkin’s Lymphoma recovery… pic.twitter.com/W6E3qqOg4f
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) May 10, 2023
It’s arguably the best NFL news all offseason long. Plenty of people were worried that Moreau’s professional football career was over after getting his initial diagnosis.
He was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, who are now known as the Las Vegas Raiders.
In four seasons with the Raiders, he recorded 91 catches for 1,107 yards and 12 touchdowns. The 2022 season was arguably his best so far in the NFL, as he caught 33 passes for 420 yards and two scores.
Moreau should be able to make a seamless transition to New Orleans, as the Saints acquired veteran signal-caller Derek Carr this offseason. Carr, who is set to be the Saints’ starting quarterback in the 2023 campaign, spent the past nine seasons as the full-time starter for the Raiders.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that “affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting immune system.” In the cancer, white blood cells called lymphocytes “grow out of control, causing swollen lymph nodes and growths throughout the body.”
It’ll be interesting to see how quickly Moreau recovers. Surely, the entire NFL world is pulling for him to enjoy lots of success in the upcoming season.
The Saints are looking to make it back to the playoffs after missing out in both of the past two seasons. The 2022 season saw them go 7-10 after they went 9-8 the season before.
