Willie Anderson shared a direct update with fans this week, and it came with a personal touch. The former Cincinnati Bengals tackle posted on X on Sunday, looking at his recovery six weeks after his kidney transplant.

Along with the message, Anderson shared photos of himself sitting outside in a white outfit on a black rocking chair.

“6 weeks out from Transplant. I’m down to 298 pounds. I feel great,” Anderson wrote.

He also mentioned that he still has to be careful around crowds and certain foods because his immune system is being suppressed.

The surgery took place on March 3 in Atlanta and went smoothly. Anderson had a living donor, his girlfriend Averee Anderson, who helped him avoid dialysis during the process.

For Anderson, the journey has been anything but easy. A battle that started with high blood pressure years ago escalated into serious kidney disease, ultimately pushing him toward a life-changing transplant.

With this update already sharing positive news, the focus is starting to shift toward the message he wants to share after going through this experience.

Anderson Uses His Recovery to Spread Kidney Donation Awareness

Anderson’s update is not just about how he feels after surgery. It also brings focus to the message he is trying to share about kidney donation and how many people still wait for help.

“I had a living donor. Most people aren’t so fortunate,” Anderson wrote. “Please research donating a kidney. Gonna make it my mission to help those who struggle with this disease.”

Anderson also pointed out that some people are born with kidney issues and did nothing to cause them.

That kind of mindset is not new for Anderson. It reflects the same approach he had during his playing career.

Drafted 10th overall by the Bengals in 1996, Anderson became one of the most reliable offensive tackles in the NFL. He played 195 games and earned four Pro Bowl selections.

He spent most of his career in Cincinnati before being released in 2008. That impact later earned him a place in the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022. He later also finished as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2026.

He later signed with the Baltimore Ravens but soon decided to step away, choosing to retire after the 2008 season.

That long career built his reputation in the league. Now, the focus has shifted, but the same mindset shows up as he uses his platform to speak about donation and support others facing similar challenges.

Read more at the Cincinnati Bengals Community!

Written by

Anjali Thakur

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote