In the summer heat of St. Joseph, Mo., Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Tavon Rooks was battling for a job. On Aug. 17, despite knowing it would likely hurt his chances to leave the field, Rooks did exactly that while experiencing shortness of breath. In fact, fellow lineman Marcus Reed convinced him to seek medical attention, a decision that saved his life, according to Herbie Teope of Chiefs Digest and the Topeka Capital-Journal.
"“After one-on-ones, that’s when I felt I needed help because I didn’t feel right,” Rooks said. “It was to the point where I couldn’t focus on what I needed to do and accomplish on the field because there was discomfort in my chest.”"
This was the point when Reed intervened and perhaps had his greatest moment as a football player, and maybe as a human being, per Teope.
"“I signaled a trainer over because at that point it’s serious,” Reed said. “You don’t want to hurt yourself trying to look good for the coaches even though you want to.”"
After trying to figure out the issue within Kansas City’s medical staff, Rooks was sent to Mosaic Life Care Hospital where he was diagnosed with a heart attack. Rooks was very close to death, something he could never have imagined when he woke up that morning. Per Teope:
"“If they didn’t catch that in time, the doctor was telling me I would’ve been dead on the field or in my dorm room that night.”"
During his stay at the hospital, Rooks was not alone. He was visited by a host of Chiefs coaches, along with front-office personnel that included general manager John Dorsey.
"“That raised my spirits to have the GM come talk to you,” Rooks said. “It felt good. He’s a great guy. I’m glad I got the opportunity to see his face, shake his hand.”"
Ultimately, Rooks was released by Kansas City with an injury designation, essentially taking it off the hook for any financial assistance should the heart attack not be considered a football injury. For Rooks, or any normal American, the money side of getting sick without having coverage can be devastating.
"“That’s usually given to them for several months depending on their history, so that’s pretty expensive,” said Tammy Moser, a registered respiratory therapist. “And then the cost of all the tests that he’s going to have to undergo is also probably pretty expensive. I would say something like that, $30,000 to treat this right now.”"
Instead, the Chiefs have stepped up. Despite not having to do so, Kansas City is easing the load on Rooks’ mind.
"“They’re making sure my hospital bills are paid for,” Rooks said. “They came down and helped me out with that because the NFL insurance expired already. For them to be willing to pay for that, I’m glad they did.”"
Rooks’ agent, Richard Kopelman, gave the organization the ultimate compliment.
"“I think it’s above and beyond from what you typically see in professional sports, in the NFL,” Kopelman said. “But I don’t think it’s uncharacteristic of the Chiefs for folks like John Dorsey and others in that organization. I think it’s great.”"
If you have a few minutes today, I implore you to read Teope’s entire story. It was a fine piece, one of the best I have read in years.