10 Athletes Who Successfully Recovered From Blood Clot Scares
It’s easy to think professional athletes are built like machines. They train at levels most people can’t imagine. Yet even the most conditioned athletes can face a threat that has nothing to do with broken bones or torn muscles. Blood clots are silent, sometimes deadly blockages that have sidelined stars across every major sport, including some of the biggest names. Some nearly lost their careers; others used the scare to push for more awareness in sports medicine.
Damian Lillard
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard shocked fans in March 2025 when a medical exam revealed a blood clot in his right calf. It started as soreness and swelling, and turned out to be deep vein thrombosis, confirmed through ultrasound testing. He was immediately placed on blood thinners and ruled out indefinitely. Lillard’s swift medical care gave him the best possible outlook for a full recovery.
Victor Wembanyama
Victor Wembanyama’s sophomore season with the San Antonio Spurs was cut short after a blood clot developed in his right shoulder. The episode became a turning point for him, both as a player and as someone learning to listen to his body. Despite missing the second half of the year, the 21-year-old maintained an upbeat approach to recovery by focusing on body awareness and specialized therapy. By summer 2025, he announced he had been cleared to return.
Chris Bosh
Few NBA stories carry the weight of Chris Bosh’s. In 2015, recurring blood clots in his lungs forced him to walk away from basketball far sooner than planned. Continuing to play while on anticoagulants would have been life-threatening, and his doctors refused to clear him for competition. Though his career ended early, Bosh used his platform to bring attention to DVT and pulmonary embolisms.
Serena Williams
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Boss Tweed
Tennis legend Serena Williams experienced a terrifying postpartum complication in 2017 when multiple blood clots formed in her lungs after childbirth. Having faced a similar issue in 2011, she recognized the signs early and insisted on immediate medical care. The incident nearly cost her her life but also made her an outspoken advocate for maternal health. Her story continues to inspire women to pay closer attention to their bodies after pregnancy.
Deion Sanders
In 2021, Deion Sanders, known to fans as “Coach Prime,” battled severe blood clots that led to multiple surgeries and the amputation of two toes. Restricted blood flow to his lower leg nearly ended his mobility. His recovery was long and painful, yet he returned to the sidelines determined to keep leading his football program. Sanders’ honesty about his ordeal brought attention to how vascular conditions can affect anyone—even elite athletes.
Zack Wheeler
When Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler felt heaviness in his shoulder during a 2025 game, he didn’t wait it out. Tests confirmed a clot in his upper arm caused by Paget-Schroetter syndrome, a condition linked to repetitive upper-body motions. A thrombolysis procedure cleared the blockage, and his rehab began within days. Wheeler’s awareness and fast response likely prevented a far more serious outcome.
Tatyana McFadden
Paralympic champion Tatyana McFadden was diagnosed with a blood clot in 2017 after years of rigorous racing and training. Many assumed it would end her career, but she returned to competition and continued winning medals. Beyond her athletic success, she became a vocal supporter of the National Blood Clot Alliance.
Frederik Andersen
Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen missed nearly half of the 2023–24 NHL season after being diagnosed with a blood clot. It initially appeared to be a muscle issue, but it was later revealed through further testing to be something far more serious. After four months of treatment, he returned to the ice and regained his starting spot. His recovery became a case study in how early detection can make all the difference.
Merrill Kelly
In 2023, Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Merrill Kelly faced thrombosis in his right calf. He took time off for treatment and anticoagulant therapy before returning later that year. Kelly credited his medical team for catching the issue early through routine checks.
Alaric Jackson
Los Angeles Rams lineman Alaric Jackson learned he had blood clots in 2023 that left him “in shock.” After months of recovery and treatment, he rejoined his team, determined to make a full return. He later urged fellow players to take any unusual pain or swelling seriously, especially following travel or heavy exertion.