When Albert Haynesworth retired from the NFL, he realized he needed to focus on his health.
By the time he was 33, Hainsworth had suffered three brain injuries, and by the time he was 39, he was battling kidney failure. He underwent a kidney transplant in 2021 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
That’s one of the reasons Haynesworth attended an event hosted by the NFL Alumni Association on Saturday to promote health and wellness. Hainsworth appeared at the event at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Germantown, along with other former players from the Tennessee Titans and Houston Oilers, including Delanie Walker, Brad Hopkins and Al Smith. .
“It’s very important,” said Hainsworth, 42. “If NFL players can get through there, then obviously the general public can easily get through there.”
The event featured free vaccinations and pop-up booths for Memphis and Shelby County health departments. Former players also signed autographs and took photos with fans.
“Everyone wants to be healthy,” Smith says. “For many of us as former players, that’s been our life. Obviously, health is your asset and it’s about being able to perform at a high level all the time. Being in the community is also important. You’re not an exception. You want to stay. You want to be healthy, you want to take care of yourself, you want to live a long life. ”
The NFL Alumni Association is planning another event for Juneteenth featuring former Titans players. It will be held at the National Civil Rights Museum and will feature Smith, Hopkins, Chris Johnson, Javon Kearse and Rendale White.
Haynesworth, an All-Pro defensive tackle who played for the Titans from 2002 to 2008 and was a star at the University of Tennessee, also took time to talk about the current Titans team. He said he intended to trade down in the 2024 NFL Draft, but believes the Titans are heading in the right direction.
And he was particularly impressed with second-round pick Tyvondre Sweat, a 6-5, 366-pound defensive tackle who some fans are already comparing to Haynesworth.
“He’s going to be a great guy,” Hainsworth said. “(Jeffrey Simmons and) Sweat, if the Titans let them play, let them wreck stores, it’ll be fun. It’ll be like 2008.”
Contact sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or X @thejonahdylan.
