By ISABEL BALDWIN, US ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
Published: 10:22 EST, 6 March 2026 | Updated: 10:22 EST, 6 March 2026
Cincinnati Bengals great Willie Anderson underwent a successful kidney transplant, he revealed this week.
The 50-year-old underwent the procedure 10 years after being diagnosed with kidney disease. He announced last month that he would have the surgery.
The offensive lineman took to social media on Thursday to confirm that the transplant went well and that he was beginning to recover.
'God is great, man. Everything went well, (the) kidney's well,' Anderson 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 had been his donor, and the former All-Pro praised her for being a warrior.
My Lady is the strongest person I know . She woke me up tickling my feet out of surgery . She knows I hate that. I knew it was her when I awoke . My brother and ex business partner Laderick Odom my bro Pastor Floyd Walker from Cincinnati Lisa McCall my business manager have been… pic.twitter.com/tFW7T4RV54
— Willie Anderson (@BigWillie7179) March 5, 2026
Cincinnati Bengals great Willie Anderson underwent a successful kidney transplant
The former offensive lineman had been suffering from kidney disease for 10 years
'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 also thanked fans, his friends and his loved ones for their support throughout the ordeal.
He added: 'Man I appreciate the prayers and support! I hung on every word y'all sent me! Hopefully my ordeal can help others. And please please consider giving a kidney to save someone. You can function in life well with [one].'
The Bengals Ring of Honor member revealed on February 20 that he would be having the transplant this month.
He shared that he had suffered from a kidney-related illness for a decade after the pain medication he had been taking throughout his NFL career had caused his organs to deteriorate.
'10 years ago I was diagnosed with kidney disease,' Anderson posted on X last month. 'Over the past 10 years it's gotten significantly worse.
'That was one of the main reasons I wanted to lose those 60 pounds to see if I could make it better. Well, I have an announcement. You have to listen to the video. Some folks know this already. A lot don't. I never wanted everyone to feel sorry for me. I wanted to give happy news. Please listen! And I hope this helps the next athlete.'
Anderson, who was a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist this year, was taken 10th overall by the Bengals in the 1996 NFL Draft.
He played 12 years in Cincinnati before calling time on his career after a one-season stint with the Baltimore Ravens.
He was named to the Pro Bowl in four straight years, starting in the 2003 season through the 2006 season. He was also named a first-team All-Pro three straight seasons from 2004-2006.
Cincinnati Bengals