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INDIANAPOLIS – Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez said surgery to remove a cancerous tumor went well.
The four-year veteran, who is also the Colts’ kickoff specialist, made the announcement in a Twitter message Tuesday night, a day after revealing the diagnosis on social media.
“The surgery went well,” he wrote. “Overwhelmed by all the love and support everyone has sent me.”
Sanchez first learned he had a cancerous tumor late last week and, after consulting with doctors, decided to play Sunday in a key showdown between AFC South and Tennessee. The Colts (7-4) lost 45-26, falling one game behind the Titans, at the top of the division.
Sanchez kicked five times, but gave his usual kickoff duties to rookie Rodrigo Blankenship.
Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone said it was because Sanchez was having discomfort with his leg swing during the kickoffs. The Colts also made accommodations for Sanchez’s punts.
“Some of the things we would normally do to get the ball in a game, we weren’t able to do that last game, because of the inability to do it because of the pain tolerance.”
Among those offering messages of support, there was former Colts coach Tony Dungy, who led the Colts to their only Super Bowl title during the Indianapolis era.
“It’s great to hear,” Dungy wrote. “Please keep us posted on your recovery and we will continue to pray!”
Sanchez is one of the most popular players in the Colts’ locker room, averaging a career-high 47.2 yards on punters this season.
The Colts haven’t said when they expect Sanchez to return. Indianapolis is playing in Houston this weekend.
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