KJ Hamler stepping away from Broncos after heart condition diagnosis
KJ Hamler will be out for the indefinite future. On Monday, the Denver Broncos wide receiver posted a concerning update on his health.
“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,” Hamler wrote on Instagram.
The Denver Broncos selected Hamler with No. 46 overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. In three seasons with the organization, Hamler appeared in 23 games, recording 42 receptions for 620 yards and three touchdowns.
Prior to his professional career, Hamler played two seasons at Penn State. He was a standout receiver, earning All-Big Ten second-team honors from the coaches and media. While with the Nittany Lions, Hamler boasted 1,658 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
Hamler’s condition, pericarditis, is characterized by the swelling and irritation of the thin and saclike tissue surrounding the heart. The condition can lead to sharp pain behind the chest and typically will heal on its own with time.
For now, the Broncos will march on without their key receiver, playing their first game on Sept. 10 against the Las Vegas Raiders.