Former Florida linebacker Neiron Ball has been in a medically induced coma after suffering a brain aneurysm Sept. 16.
Ball, who was a fifth-round draft pick in 2015 by the Oakland Raiders, had been diagnosed with the rare arteriovenous malformation, which is where the brain’s blood vessels get tangled and rupture, while at Florida and was cleared to return to football after having surgery in 2011.
On Tuesday via their Twitter account, the Raiders asked that Ball and his family are kept in the thoughts and prayers of the Raider Nation during this difficult time.
As a Raiders rookie, Ball, 26, played on special teams and began to get more time on defense before getting his first NFL start against the San Diego Chargers in Week 7. Ball played 18 snaps before sustaining a non-contact knee injury. He never recovered fully following knee surgery and was eventually released by the team having played in six games with nine tackles and one sack.
Gator Nation sends prayers and healing thoughts your way, Neiron. You’ve overcome health issues before. You can do it again.
Sure hoping for the best. This young man has faced death before. I’m confident he wrestled with his possible outcome, his faith, what he believes in his heart. Neiron Ball likely is better prepared than a large portion of the population. I’m praying for his full recovery and appreciative of the courage, determination and joy that he made evident since his first diagnosis.
This kid has been through so much already — he is an inspiration. Praying he makes yet another comeback.
Here’s a great article about him from 2012: https://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf–fbc-florida-lb-neiron-comes-back-after-brain-surgery.html.
26 years old and a wonderful person. Pulling for him to come out of it and be OK. He is a fighter for sure.
God bless you Nieron. We are pulling and praying for you.
AVM correction is never a sure thing, but nothing in life really is. Praying for his sustained courage, recovery, and God’s grace.
Roger that 6, my son had the same thing, caught as an infant. Dr. Mickle at Sands did the surgery and has been fine ever since. Praise God for Dr. Mickle and Sands and prayer for Neiron for a full and speedy recovery.
Shands, sorry.
That is great RS….many folks with AVM don’t even know they have it until they’re in their 40s or later. God is great all the time!
Absolutely, and the medical care he got at UF was second to none. They saved his life, pure and simple.
God I hate hearing this. Praying for his good health
Thank you for being part of the Gator Nation. We are praying for God’s healing hands to make you better.
Praying for you young fella….
Hang in there Little Kid. We are with you in spirit.
Agreed with all comments, joining in to wish the best to Mr. Ball.