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.