Denver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler made a surprising announcement and revealed that he will temporarily step away from the team because of a recently diagnosed heart condition.
Hamler, 24, shared the news on Instagram, saying that he felt chest pains during a workout break before training camp and decided to get medical evaluation. The diagnosis was mild heart irritation, also known as pericarditis.
“I’ve got a great treatment plan with medicine and am taking a quick break to get this all taken care of so I can get back to doing what I love,” Hamler said in a statement.
“I will be back on the field—better and stronger than ever—as soon as possible this season!” he added.
Pericarditis is when the thin sac around the heart becomes inflamed. It can be serious, but doctors believe Hamler will recover fully.
The news reportedly disappointed both Hamler and the Broncos, as he was expected to have a great season. He is known for his speed and agility and has shown lots of promise since being drafted by the Broncos in 2020.
“It’s tough to deal with this when I was ready for a breakout year, but adversity is nothing new to me,” Hamler said.
“I have been through hell and back, but it’s hard to reach paradise if you don’t go through hell first.” Hamler added.
Despite facing challenges on and off the field, Hamler remains determined and grateful for his teammates, coaches, and fans. He encourages anyone experiencing chest pains to seek immediate medical help.
“This is something to bring awareness to anybody. So anyone with chest pains please get checked out by your doctor!” he said.
“This is not a farewell, this is not a goodbye, this is a see you soon as I take a break for my health.” Hamler wrote.
Before joining the NFL, Hamler played college football at Penn State. In his freshman year, he redshirted, and in 2018, he had an impressive season with 42 receptions, 754 yards, and five touchdowns. He also contributed as a return specialist.
In 2019, Hamler continued to shine with 56 receptions, 904 yards, and eight touchdowns. His skills caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading him to declare for the NFL Draft with two years of college eligibility remaining.
The Denver Broncos selected him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he showed glimpses of his potential, making 30 receptions for 381 yards and three touchdowns.
