Albert Haynesworth: I almost died because of brain aneurysms

Albert Haynesworth says he almost died last year because of brain aneurysms.

The former Tennessee Titans defensive tackle joined 104-5 The Zone in Nashville on Thursday live from the Ohio Valley Conference’s women’s basketball tournament. He talked about his health and said he almost died.

“Nobody really knows, I almost died,” Haynesworth told “The Midday 180”. “I had two brain aneurysms that were actually rupturing. I had a terrible headache and went and talked to my doctor in Florida, and he was like, ‘Man, your blood pressure is through the roof. I’m going to admit you.’ They did a lot of tests and found the aneurysm that was massive that was rupturing at that point. I was in the hospital for 11 days in ICU.”

Haynesworth’s health is pretty concerning. He says his mind has been shaky and not as sharp. For example, he says he has trouble remembering how he signs his name and he says when composing text messages he sometimes writes words backwards.

Haynesworth was a first-round pick out of Tennessee by the Titans in 2002. He emerged into one of the best defensive linemen in the game, being selected for two Pro Bowls, and eventually signing a massive $100 million free agent contract with the Washington Redskins. Haynesworth was a total bust with the ‘Skins as he had major conditioning issues and clashed with the defensive coaches. He spent two seasons in Washington and one in New England and Tampa Bay before retiring after the 2012 season.

Even though Haynesworth is pretty unlikable for his behavior during his playing days, it’s hard not to feel badly about what he’s going through now. He says doctors aren’t sure whether his brain issues are related to football, but his awareness about the issue is now heightened.