Giants GM Dave Gettleman diagnosed with lymphoma

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman announced in a statement Tuesday that he was recently diagnosed with lymphoma that was discovered during an annual physical. Treatment is expected to start in the "very near future."

Gettleman was hired by the Giants late last year to replace Jerry Reese as general manager. He previously spent four years as the Carolina Panthers general manager following a long run as an executive with the Giants.

He appears optimistic despite the news.

"The doctor's outlook for the treatment and the prognosis is positive, and so am I," he said in a statement. "I will continue to work as much as the treatment process will allow, and as they know, when I am not in the office, I will be in constant communication with [coach] Pat [Shurmur], [assistant general manager] Kevin [Abrams] and the rest of our staff."

Abrams has been with the organization for 19 years. He interviewed for the general manager opening last year and is expected to handle a bigger role in the short term.

Gettleman, 67, was the Giants' OTA workout on Monday. He just completed his first draft as general manager this spring.

He was appreciative towards the Giants in his statement.

"I am thankful to John Mara and Steve Tisch and our organization for their support and encouragement, and to Ronnie Barnes for his guidance and assistance. And, of course, to my wife Joanne and our children for their love and support," he said. "And I want to thank you in advance for respecting my privacy and that of my family as we work our way through this. I look forward to being back at full strength and devoting all my energy to helping make this 2018 New York Giants team the best it can be."