The National Blood Clot Alliance congratulates Kenneth Walker III and the entire Seattle Seahawks on an extraordinary achievement—winning Super Bowl LX and earning Most Valuable Player honors on football’s biggest stage.
For many fans, Walker’s performance last night was a celebration of speed, strength, and determination. But long before this Super Bowl moment, Walker faced a life-threatening challenge far from the spotlight.
As a high school athlete, Walker was hospitalized after developing blood clots in both lungs, a medical emergency known as a pulmonary embolism. What began as chest pain during spring practices quickly escalated into a frightening fight for his life.
“I woke up and I couldn’t breathe for real,” Walker shared in a previous interview. “I was struggling to breathe.”
Doctors later told him that had he continued playing through the pain, a hit to the wrong place could have been fatal. He was also told he would never play football again.
During his hospitalization, Walker spent several nights receiving treatment, including daily injections he learned to administer himself. After months of recovery, he was ultimately able to return to the game he loved.
Reflecting on that experience, Walker said:
“Don’t take anything for granted because it all can get thrown away at any time.”
Today, as we celebrate his Super Bowl MVP performance, Walker’s story serves as a powerful reminder: blood clots can affect anyone, at any age—even elite athletes. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking urgent medical care can save lives.
The National Blood Clot Alliance is proud to recognize this moment and the resilience behind it—and looks forward to continuing important conversations about blood clot awareness, prevention, and survival.
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