A Surprising Journey: From NFL Player to Open Heart Surgery Survivor

🏈Former NFL player shares his journey from being traded to the New Orleans Saints to discovering a life-threatening heart condition.

💔During a physical, the player was diagnosed with a heart murmur and had to undergo emergency open heart surgery.

🏥The player's aorta, which pumps blood around the body, was expanding like a water balloon, putting his life at risk.

💪Despite the end of his football career, the player remains positive and believes in the power of self-talk and surrounding himself with loved ones.

🐶To commemorate his journey, the player named his new dog 'Saint' after the New Orleans Saints and the person he believes saved his life.

How did the player discover his heart condition?

—The player discovered his heart condition during a routine physical after being traded to the New Orleans Saints.

What was the diagnosis and treatment for the player's heart condition?

—The player had an enlarged aorta and had to undergo emergency open heart surgery to repair the condition.

How has the player's outlook changed since the surgery?

—The player remains positive and believes in the power of self-talk and surrounding himself with loved ones.

What inspired the player to name his dog 'Saint'?

—The player named his dog 'Saint' in honor of the New Orleans Saints and the person he believes saved his life.

What message does the player have for others regarding heart health?

—The player encourages everyone to get tested and have their hearts checked regularly, even if they feel healthy.

00:00The player shares that he got married since he was last seen and acknowledges his wife in the audience.

00:05The player played for the "Philadelphia Eagles" before being traded to the "New Orleans Saints".

00:16The player talks about his initial reaction to being traded and his excitement about joining the "New Orleans Saints".

01:02The player shares his experience with the physical he had to undergo upon joining the "New Orleans Saints".

01:31The player reveals that he was diagnosed with a heart murmur during the physical and had to undergo emergency open heart surgery.

04:26The player discusses his positive outlook and the importance of self-talk in facing challenges.

04:57The player shares a heartwarming story about finding a penny during his time in the hospital.

05:55The player receives a gift for his dog and talks about the inspiration behind naming his dog 'Saint'.