A former NFL standout has opened up about a frightening medical ordeal that nearly cost him his life, revealing that he spent several days in a coma during a prolonged hospital stay.

Osi Umenyiora, the former New York Giants defensive end and two-time Super Bowl winner, spoke candidly about the experience while appearing on The Breakdown, a show on the NFL UK & Ireland YouTube channel.

At the start of the episode, Umenyiora explained that he endured a serious health crisis that required him to remain hospitalized for close to a month. During that time, he underwent major surgery and was placed in a coma for five days.

“I went through something incredibly difficult,” he shared. “I was in a very dark place physically and emotionally. But that period showed me who truly cared about me. Some people were there every single day. Others came to visit while I was unconscious. Some even traveled from different parts of the world just to be there for me when I was at my lowest.”

He also expressed deep gratitude toward his co-host, former NFL player Jason Bell, crediting him with being a constant presence throughout the ordeal.

“Don’t ever think what we have here isn’t genuine,” Umenyiora said. “This is real, and I love you, J-Bell. I appreciate everything you did for me. The doctors told me that when I heard your voice, my heart rate increased. That meant everything.”

While Umenyiora chose not to disclose the exact nature of his illness, his message focused on resilience, friendship, and the importance of support during life’s most challenging moments.

Umenyiora enjoyed a highly successful NFL career, most notably as part of the Giants’ dominant defensive line. Known for his explosive edge rush and knack for forcing fumbles, he recorded 85 sacks over 161 games with the Giants and Atlanta Falcons. He played a crucial role in New York’s Super Bowl victories in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI.

Born in the United Kingdom, Umenyiora is among a small group of British-born players to have earned a Super Bowl ring.