NFL players with serious medical conditions ft. Marcus Cannon (2023)
NFL players are some of the best athletes in the entire world. They are also celebrities and popular public figures, most of whom are worth millions of dollars. While their talent and fame often stand at the forefront of their identities, they are still regular human beings beneath it all. They deal with all of the same personal issues as anyone else.
Like all other humans, NFL players are not immune to serious health conditions. Some have unfortunately been born with difficult conditions, but have been able to overcome them by still carving out a career as a professional football player. Their condition doesn't define them and they can obviously succeed regardless.
Here are five NFL players who have announced that they are dealing with a lifelong serious medical condition. While there are likely more, many players prefer to keep their medical history private. All players on this list are currently active on teams as of this season.
#1, Kyle Peko
Kyle Peko began his career with the Denver Broncos before spending time with the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans. He joined the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of the 2022 season to continue playing as a defensive tackle. He has been diagnosed with severe asthma and has to use an inhaler regularly.
#2, Michael Pierce
Michael Pierce has spent five of his six seasons with the Baltimore Ravens as a defensive tackle and a nose tackle. The other season was spent with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. He has also been diagnosed with a severe case of asthma and is prescribed to regularly use an inhaler.
#3, Marcus Cannon
Marcus Cannon spent the first 10 years of his career with the New England Patriots. He helped the franchise win three Super Bowl rings while playing on the offensive line as a tackle. He played one season with the Houston Texans in 2021 before rejoining the Patriots in 2022. He is an incredible cancer survivor after overcoming non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Friday Facts:
Marcus Cannon beat cancer, has 3 Super Bowl rings and the same number of playoff wins as Peyton Manning (14). https://t.co/TfRjy5nELG
#4, Chandler Brewer
Chandler Brewer has been with the Los Angeles Rams since 2019. He serves as an offensive lineman, playing both the guard and tackle positions. He is another cancer survivor who overcame non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
#5, Colby Gossett
Colby Gossett has been in the NFL since 2018 serving as an offensive lineman, both as a guard and a tackle. He has spent time with three different teams, including the Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns. He joined the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, where he currently remains. Gossett admits he's dealt with a genetic kidney condition for his entire life.