New York Giants GM Dave Gettleman announces he has lymphoma

June 5 (UPI) -- New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has announced that he has lymphoma.

Gettleman, 67, joined the Giants' front office in December. He worked for five years as the Carolina Panthers' general manager from 2013 through 2017, helping to build rosters that went to the postseason three times and appeared in Super Bowl 50.

Gettleman said he was undergoing an annual physical when the lymphoma was discovered. He has undergone more testing over the last week to determine the course of treatment. That treatment is scheduled to start in the very near future.

"The doctor's outlook for the treatment and the prognosis is positive, and so am I," Gettleman said in a statement from the Giants.

Gettleman will continue to work throughout the treatment process. When he's not in the office, he will be in constant communication with head coach Pat Shurmer, assistant general manager Kevin Abrams and the rest of the team's staff.

"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," Gettleman said. "And, of course, to my wife Joanne and our children for their love and support."

"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."

Gettleman entered the NFL ranks in 1986 as a scouting intern for the Buffalo Bills. He also held a scouting role with the Denver Broncos before joining the Giants as a pro personnel director. He reunited with the Giants this offseason after a successful run with the Panthers.