‘God Took Care Of Me’: NBA Star Jeff Green Reflects On Life-Threatening Heart Condition
By Movieguide® Contributor
Denver Nuggets player Jeff Green has been in the NBA for years, but a serious heart condition almost ended his dreams of basketball stardom.
Green’s condition was found during a physical he took after signing a contract with the Boston Celtics. The Celtics picked Green up from the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2010-11 season.
Green underwent surgery for an aortic aneurysm in 2012.
“After the surgery, the doctors told me that the tissue (around the heart) had started to tear a little bit,” he told NBA.com. “So it was great timing and God took care of me.”
Green missed the 2011-12 season while recovering from the surgery, but rejoined the Celtics the following year. Since his time with the Celtics, Green has played for 12 NBA teams.
He has been playing for the Nuggets for two years now, and does not take his lengthy career in the NBA for granted.
“I understand what a blessing it is to play this game, knowing the circumstances that I had to go through. A lot of us take the game for granted, but that’s not the case for me,” Green told the NBA Player’s Association. “I’m truly humbled by the game and when I say it, I mean it. I’m very blessed to still be able to put on this NBA uniform and do something that I love.”
Green continued, “Every morning waking up and every night going to bed, I look at my scar. And I tell the Lord, ‘Thank you for the blessing that He’s given me to keep living, to keep playing, just to continue to breathe everyday.’”
“I’m very fortunate and thankful everyday to the man up above. Because without Him, and my friends and family, I wouldn’t be here,” Green concluded.
The Denver Nuggets are set to play in NBA Finals starting on June 1.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
