NFL player feeling thankful after AFib diagnosis: ‘I think it’s just the good Lord looking after me’
Tyler Shatley, a veteran offensive lineman with the Jacksonville Jaguars, was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AFib) on Aug. 2 after experiencing symptoms for the last few years. Shatley discussed the diagnosis with the media on Aug. 6, highlighting how lucky he feels to have avoided serious complications.
“I just always ignored it for a couple years, honestly, when it happened,” Shatley said, as quoted by the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union. “And I think it's just the good Lord looking after me, man. Honestly, the other day I had a couple extra minutes [after practice and] I said, ‘I might as well get this checked out.’”
Shatley is now taking blood thinners to treat his AFib. He has not yet been fully cleared to participate in practice, but he is able to compete in some lighter individual training exercises.
Shatley expects to play the upcoming NFL season as a starting left guard for the Jaguars. In the meantime, he is remaining active at practice by coaching other players.
“It's hard,” Shatley said. “It's tough to sit there and watch. I'm on the side, I'm trying to stay in the best shape I can, do as much as I can so that way when I come back it's a seamless transition back.”
Learn more about Shatley’s diagnosis from the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union at the link below:
Michael has more than 18 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.