After being diagnosed with liver disease in 2019, Geno Hayes, 33, former linebacker for both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Florida State, has been placed in hospice care at his parents’ South Georgian home. Before being placed in hospice care, Hayes was awaiting a liver transplant.
What was first diagnosed as alcoholic cirrhosis- a strange diagnosis considering Hayes is not a heavy drinker- was really just chronic liver disease, according to the former NFL player.
Hayes believes his condition is a result of the use of non-prescription pain medication coupled with a family history of liver disease. He was diagnosed while being treated for a different medical condition.
Not only did Hayes’ physical condition deteriorate, losing 70 pounds since his diagnosis, but his mental condition worsened as well. He states he was in a “supreme” depression for three months.
Initially, Hayes chose to keep his diagnosis private; however, more recently, he has opened up, including to his two children, ages 13 and 8.
Ultimately, Hayes wants to be an example for people and to inspire them to enjoy life’s little moments no matter the situation.
As far as his professional career, Hayes first caught the eye of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2008 NFL draft, and was later signed by the Chicago Bears in 2012. Hayes ended his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014.
Prior to joining the NFL, Hayes was signed with Florida State in 2005 where he became an All-American.
