Getty Image / Justin Edmonds
When the Denver Broncos selected KJ Hamler in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL Draft, they expected to add a dynamic playmaker to their roster. After all, the speedster out of Penn State was absolutely electric in college with his ability to gain yards after the catch.
But, things simply haven’t gone their way. KJ Hamler has been unable to stay healthy, playing just 23 games over his first three seasons, and only three in 2022.
And, he is going to miss more time, after he revealed on Instagram that he has been diagnosed with pericarditis, the inflammation of the sac around the heart.
His post said,
After feeling some chest pains while working out on the break before camp started, I got everything checked out and was diagnosed with mild heart irritation, called pericarditis. I’ve got a great treatment plan with medicine and am taking a quick break to get this all taken care of so I can get back to doing what I love.
I will be back on the field—better and stronger than ever—as soon as possible this season! I feel great physically and this is very frustrating for me to deal with. I know most of you have heard or know of my story and these past few years what I’ve been going through on and off the field.
It’s tough to deal with this when I was ready for a breakout year, but adversity is nothing new to me. I have been through hell and back, but it’s hard to reach paradise if you don’t go through hell first.
I’ll get past this just like everything else on this journey! I will continue to elevate. I forever stand on business.
This is not a farewell, this is not a good bye, this is a see you soon as I take a break for my health.
I’m so grateful for my teammates & coaches. Appreciate the support from the Broncos Country and encouragement I have been receiving. This is something to bring awareness to anybody. So anyone with chest pains please get checked out by your doctor!
Stay true, Be you, stand on Ten, Never bend.
From K with love 🫶🏽
Later on Monday, the Broncos waived Hamler, but it’s just a procedural matter, with the team expected to retain him.
In a procedural move, KJ Hamler will appear on today’s wire as waived/non-football illness. However, the door is open for his return to the Broncos or any team early this season.
His heart treatment is via medicine, not thru a surgical procedure. #9sports— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) July 31, 2023
It was a tough day overall for Denver, as they also lost wide receiver Tim Patrick for the season to an Achilles injury.