Former Bengals All-Pro offensive lineman Willie Anderson underwent a successful kidney transplant, he revealed in a social media post Thursday.
“God is great, man. Everything went well, kidney’s well,” Anderson, 50, said in a video message posted on X.
“I’m a little sore,” he added later. “My pressure is now coming down now. Doing well.”
Anderson’s longtime girlfriend was his donor.
“My Lady is the strongest person I know,” he said. “She woke me up tickling my feet out of surgery. She knows I hate that. I knew it was her when I awoke.”
Anderson announced on Feb. 20 that 10 years after being diagnosed with kidney disease, he would undergo a transplant.
He thanked everyone who has supported him through the medical ordeal.
“Thank you for the prayers. They’re really needed,” Anderson said. “I really felt the prayers and love and thoughts from so many people.”
Anderson was a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist this year and is a member of the Bengals’ Ring of Honor.
2023 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
He was taken 10th overall by the Bengals in the 1996 NFL Draft and spent 13 seasons in the league — 12 of which were played in Cincinnati.
He appeared in 181 games with the Bengals and started in 173.
Anderson was named to the Pro Bowl in four straight years, starting in the 2003 season through the 2006 season. He was named a first-team All-Pro three straight seasons from 2004-2006.
Anderson hoped that sharing his story would encourage others to become organ donors.
“Hopefully my ordeal can help others,” he said. “And please, please consider giving a kidney to save someone. You can function in life well with 1!”
