Willie Anderson Doing Well After Kidney Transplant ... My GF's A Warrior!!!
Published March 5, 2026 3:13 PM PST
Play video content 030526_willie_anderson_kal
X/@BigWillie7179
Cincinnati Bengals legend Willie Anderson just provided a positive update after undergoing a kidney transplant this week ... thanking his fans, friends and loved ones for supporting him through the tough time.
The 50-year-old All-Pro tackle has been battling kidney disease for a decade ... as the pain meds he was taking to combat his numerous career-related injuries caused his organs to deteriorate.
willie anderson sub getty 2
Anderson put his head down and got to work -- losing 60 pounds to get into operation shape.
Fast forward to this week -- Anderson had surgery in Atlanta, with his girlfriend being his donor ... and he praised her for being a true warrior throughout the process.
In fact, Anderson said he woke up in his hospital room to her tickling his feet!!
willie anderson sub x 1
"She has to be the strongest person I know," Anderson said.
He said he's a little bit sore and spent some time in the ICU with high pressure ... but now things are more normalized and he's chilling.
willie anderson sub getty 1
Anderson said his new kidney is doing great ... and his own is still kicking, too!!
Now, Anderson can focus on getting back to 100% before eventually returning to his gig as a high school offensive line coach and his training academy.
Get well soon, Big Willie!!