New England Patriots offensive tackle Calvin Anderson has opened up about his near-fatal encounter with malaria last year, revealing he had a 50-50 chance of survival. After returning from a philanthropic trip to Nigeria in July 2023, Anderson, 28, began experiencing symptoms that rapidly worsened. His fever spiked to 104.5°F, and his wife, Sherée, insisted he go to the emergency room despite his initial reluctance.
Once at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Anderson’s condition deteriorated quickly. After arriving, Anderson said that his body “wasn’t functioning normally” and he “almost passed out.” Following a series of blood tests, doctors discovered that he had contracted malaria from a mosquito bite he told the Boston Globe.
Malaria is caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The symptoms typically include fever, chills, headache, nausea, and muscle pain. In severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening complications like anemia, respiratory distress, or organ failure.
Anderson was admitted to the emergency room at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, where doctors explained his chances of survival. According to the Globe, his wife recounted that the doctors told her, “if [she] brought him a few hours later, he literally would have died.” Anderson shared with the outlet, “If left to my own devices, I might have decided to not prioritize my health in that moment. As football players, a lot of times we end up prioritizing a lot of things ahead of our health so we can continue to play.”
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As I continue to share my story, my sincere hope is that it inspires at least one person to remain resilient and have faith.
You are in the midst of the creation of your testimony.
By the Grace of God I rise from the ashes renewed and restored.
— Calvin Anderson (@THE_CONDA25) May 7, 2024
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“But this was a case when I had someone in my corner who made a judgment call and had to veto me a little bit there. It ended up saving my life,” the athlete continued, with the Globe noting that specialists were ultimately able to stabilize his condition, and he was discharged from the hospital after four days.
Following his release from the hospital after four days and a subsequent recovery period, Anderson was placed on the Non-Football Injury list. He made his return to the field at the end of August and played five games. However, in November, a practice collision with a defensive teammate left Anderson with a heart contusion. His heartbeat became irregular, and his chest pain was unlike anything he had felt before.
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He recounted to the Globe, “I sat down, and my heartbeat wouldn’t stop. It just kept going… boom-boom-boom-boom-boom. I’m sitting there, at rest, and my heartbeat is just going.” Further tests confirmed a bruise on the heart muscle, prompting his placement on injured reserve.
“My story is intricate and dynamic, but most importantly it’s real. Thankfully God surrounded me with family, teammates, and genuine people to help me through it. This isn’t a sob story, this is a triumph. This is the return,” he wrote on Instagram. He’s actively training for the upcoming season and working on the Lanihun-Anderson Foundation to promote financial literacy for teens and young adults.
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With the Patriots’ offensive line needing dependable players, a healthy Anderson could be crucial. Determined to reclaim his form, he now eyes the future with optimism, writing, “I’m looking forward to a new year and a new opportunity.”
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