NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Former
Tennessee Titans star defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, 38, is suffering from kidney failure and has taken to Instagram to announce that he is in "dire need" of a donor for a kidney transplant.
"Well, this is hard for me to say, but my doctors said I should reach out to my family, friends and fans," Haynesworth wrote. "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 aneurysm 3 seasons out of the NFL to now my kidneys failing me," the post continued. "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 was selected by the Titans with the 15th overall pick in the 2002 NFL draft after a standout career at the
University of Tennessee. He played seven seasons for the Titans and was named first-team All-Pro in 2007 and 2008. In 2009, Haynesworth signed a seven-year, $100 million contract with the
Washington Redskins.
Haynesworth played two years for Washington before being traded to the
New England Patriots in 2011. The Patriots released him after six games and finished his 10-year career having played seven games for the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011. In his career, Haynesworth posted 30.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and 347 tackles.