And now we know the rest of what was, unbeknownst to most, a very serious story.
Earlier this month it was announced that Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock would “miss the first few weeks of preseason camp” due to what was described at the time as an undisclosed medical procedure. Tuesday, Denbrock spoke to the media and revealed the exact nature of his health scare: prostate cancer.
According to our own J.J. Stankevitz as part of his other gig at CSNChicago.com, Denbrock underwent routine medical testing for a life insurance policy. It was at that point it was discovered he had cancer.
All subsequent tests performed since the surgery have been positive, and the coordinator has returned to work. He isn’t though, back to 100 percent.
“I think it’ll be a little while,” Denbrock said when asked when he’ll be back to full strength. “I’m not going to say how much I’ve been involved with what’s been going on because my wife and doctor will probably hunt me down and get after me, but I’ve more than I anticipated I would up until this point. I haven’t tried to stress it or push it. Coach Kelly has been great about it, (as has athletic director) Jack Swarbrick and everybody here about letting me heal and get what I needed.”
Denbrock is in his first season as the Irish’s play-caller. During Danbrock’s absence, head coach Brian Kelly has taken over that responsibility.
In addition to coordinating duties, Denbrock serves as ND’s wide receivers coach. He’ll continue that part of his job description as well.