Jake Haener, who played quarterback for the UW Huskies for one season, is juggling a recent skin cancer diagnosis while striving to secure a backup position behind New Orleans Saints starter Derek Carr.
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Haener revealed his diagnosis when asked about a small circular adhesive bandage on his right cheek.
The 25-year-old, second-year pro did not specify the exact diagnosis but mentioned that he discovered a little over a week ago that he had a form of skin cancer, which is unusual for his age.
“It kind of came out of nowhere. I was worried about it, and my family was worried about it. It started as this random bump,” Haener said.
The 2023 fourth-round draft pick consulted a dermatologist, had the blemish removed, and the biopsy confirmed it was cancer.
Haener, who has attended the Saints’ first three practices of camp at the University of California at Irvine, is uncertain how his diagnosis will affect his football schedule.
He has an appointment on August 1, after which doctors will determine a treatment plan and how long he can delay treatment if it conflicts with his NFL career.
“When things like this arise, you have to address them,” Haener said. “My family has been supportive, and the Saints’ training staff has been excellent in helping me manage it.”
Haener is the second Saints player in two years to receive a cancer diagnosis. Last summer, tight end Foster Moreau was treated for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His cancer was in full remission before training camp, and he played in 15 games last season.
Haener expressed optimism about his recovery prospects.
“I’m mentally OK. It’s just something I need to address and take the necessary steps,” Haener said. “I feel like I’m pretty young and healthy for something like this to arise, but I want to handle it responsibly and not let it become a distraction because I’m going to be fine. I don’t want to wait too long; I want to get it taken care of.”
Haener attempted 13 passes for the Huskies as the backup to Jake Browning in 2018 before transferring to Fresno State. At Fresno State, he threw for 9,013 yards, 67 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in 29 games from 2020 to 2022, finishing fourth on Fresno State’s all-time passing yardage list.
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