Former Bengals Tackle Willie Anderson Schedules Kidney Transplant

Anderson, a four-time Pro Bowler, has battled kidney disease for a decade and will receive a transplant from his girlfriend.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 5:21am

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Former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Willie Anderson announced on social media that he is set to undergo a kidney transplant in early March. Anderson, a four-time Pro Bowler, was diagnosed with kidney disease 10 years ago and will receive a transplant from his girlfriend, who is a match.

Why it matters

Anderson's announcement sheds light on the health challenges faced by many former NFL players, particularly those who dealt with injuries and chronic pain during their careers. His decision to be open about his condition aims to raise awareness about the potential long-term effects of painkiller use among younger players.

The details

In a video posted on Twitter/X, Anderson said he was diagnosed with kidney disease 10 years ago and that his girlfriend is a match for the transplant. He added that he wants to bring awareness to younger players about the harm painkillers can do.

  • Anderson announced the kidney transplant in a video posted on Twitter/X on February 21, 2026.
  • The transplant is scheduled to take place in early March 2026.

The players

Willie Anderson

A former offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals who was a four-time Pro Bowler. Anderson was diagnosed with kidney disease 10 years ago and is set to receive a kidney transplant from his girlfriend.

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What they’re saying

“I never wanted everyone calling me feeling sorry for me. I wanted to give happy news.”

— Willie Anderson

What’s next

The transplant is scheduled to take place in early March 2026.

The takeaway

Anderson's openness about his health challenges and desire to raise awareness about the potential long-term effects of painkiller use in the NFL highlights the ongoing need to prioritize player safety and well-being, even after retirement.