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In a lengthy interview with Michael Rothstein
of ESPN, Bryant, a seventh-round draft pick by Cleveland in
2013, described how he learned of the disease.
He signed with Oakland last spring after he was cut by the
Detroit Lions. He spent three seasons with the Browns, then
parts of two years with the Lions, who cut him following his
third suspension for violating the league's substance abuse
policy.
After a physical with the Raiders, team doctors called and told
him to go to the emergency room after reviewing the results of
his blood test. He had an elevated potassium level and at the
ER, his blood pressure was almost 200.
He eventually was diagnosed with kidney disease. The Raiders
released him last May with a non-football illness designation
and he announced his retirement in July.
"They say the kidney is a silent killer," Bryant said. "It's
true because I can tell you right now, I had nothing wrong with
me. I had a little back issues, but that's about it. I never
thought that this could end my career, basically."
Bryant, 28, is awaiting a transplant at home in San Diego. He
has the support of the local John Brockington Foundation, named
for the former Green Bay Packers running back who also needed a
transplant.
Brockington received a kidney in 2001 from his wife, Diane,
before they were married. Diane Brockington said they have
spoken to Bryant and his wife.
"We tried to instill hope, because that is the single thing they
need most at that stage and it's not a false hope," Diane said.
"So I think we kept saying what we like to say, 'Believe that
there is a kidney transplant in your future. There is a kidney
for you. It's a matter of locating it.'"
Bryant had 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 36 career NFL
games.
--Field Level Media
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