Albert Haynesworth pleads for kidney donor on Instagram amid failing health
Albert Haynesworth shared a heartbreaking post on Instagram Wednesday as he sits in the hospital with failing health.
The former NFL All-Pro defensive lineman posted a photo that showed him in a hospital bed. In the post, Haynesworth says his kidneys have failed him since July 7 and he needs a transplant. He sent a plea for help, reaching out to friends, family and fans for a potential donor.
“Well this hard for me to say but my doctors said I should reach out to my family, friends and fans Some of you may know I’ve been battling kidney disease for a few years now the time has come family, friends and fans I’m in dire need of a kidney mine have finally failed me on July 7 2019. It’s hard to believe from being a professional athlete to only 8 season in retirement that my body has taken another major blow. First with the brain aneurism 3 seasons out of the NFL to now my kidneys failing me. But the bright side of this latest ordeal I can ask for help by asking for someone to generously donate a kidney. If you are interested in giving this precious gift please call Vanderbilt at 615-936-0695 and hit option 2. GOD BLESS thank you for your prayers and thanks for sharing this message,” Haynesworth wrote.
As Haynesworth mentioned in his post, he nearly died from two brain aneurysms three years after last playing in the NFL in 2011. He said a few years ago that the aneurysms had an effect on him and that he had difficulty writing his name and composing text messages.
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 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 before the 2012 season.