NFL Great Willie Anderson Undergoes Kidney Transplant, Donor Was His Girlfriend

Right after being snubbed from HOF, Bengals legendary offensive lineman Willie Anderson underwent kidney transplant.

NFL Great Willie Anderson Undergoes Kidney Transplant, Donor Was His Girlfriend

Willie Anderson (Image via Yardbarker/X)

In Short
  • Willie Anderson underwent a successful kidney transplant on March 3, with his girlfriend as the donor.
  • He experienced complications leading to high blood pressure before deciding on the surgery.
  • Anderson, a former NFL player, has been eligible for the Hall of Fame since 2022 but has not yet been inducted.

Years of wear and tear on the gridiron took a toll on Willie Anderson‘s body, causing one of his kidneys to malfunction. The former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle had no other option but to undergo a transplant to lead a normal life.

Consultants from Emory University and Duke University advised Anderson to undergo surgery, after which he was placed on the transplant list. It took some time to find the right donor, who ended up being his girlfriend.

Andreson’s kidney transplant went without a hitch at a hospital in Atlanta on March 3. After the effects of the sedatives lessened, the 50-year-old recorded a video to update his followers that he was well. Moreover, Anderson gave special thanks to his girlfriend, who donated one of her healthy kidneys to him.

She has to be the strongest person I know.

Anderson said (H/T: TMZ Sports)

He said he is a little sore and spent some time in the ICU with high blood pressure. That said, he’s slowly heading toward normalcy. His kidney seems to be working fine, which means pretty soon he can get back to his day job of coaching the boys at his local high school.

How did Willie Anderson’s former teammates react to finding out about his kidney problems?

Almost a week before the surgery, Anderson uploaded a video explaining his complications. He decided to have the procedure done after experiencing high blood pressure.

NFL Great Willie Anderson Undergoes Kidney Transplant, Donor Was His Girlfriend
Willie Anderson (Image via Yardbarker)

Andreson said,

I thought I had it kind of under control for a while. Once my numbers reached a certain point. But over the last two years, my numbers got significantly worse.

The video went viral and reached some of his former teammates and coaches. Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens wrote, “Thinking of you, bro. Gotchu in my prayers.”

Joining others, Super Bowl winning WR Torry Holt also reacted with a prayer emoji in support of Anderson. Former Bengals coach Hue Jackson left a heartfelt message in the comment section.

Willie [Anderson], you hold a special place in my heart! Our bond is deeper than mere friendship; you’re like a brother to me… Our divine creator is watching over you and will guide you through this journey. The prayer warriors have already begun their work and will continue tirelessly. Thank you for opening up to us… If there’s anything else we can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re cherished, my brother!

Hue Jackson wrote

Is Willie Anderson a Pro Football Hall of Famer?

Anderson, a former 10th overall draft pick, played twelve seasons for the Bengals and one for the Baltimore Ravens. He lined up for the Ravens at the AFC Championship game during John Harbaugh‘s first year managing the Baltimore club. Despite signing a three-year deal with the Ravens, Anderson retired after playing just one. Harbaugh and the Ravens tried to talk him out of it, but their efforts went in vain.

The Auburn alum played a total of 195 games while starting 184 of those fixtures. During that time, Anderson surrendered 16 sacks as a premier left tackle. He went onto bag four Pro Bowl and three All-Pro nods.

Per WDTN, Willie Anderson has been snubbed from Hall of Fame five years in a row. He first became eligible in 2022 and made it to the final seven in the modern-era category, and will automatically be finalists again next year.

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