Former NFL All-Pro defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth is thanking the hundreds of potential kidney donors who have offered to help him.
Haynesworth, who revealed July 10 that he needs a new kidney, had been hospitalized. But in an Instagram post Thursday, Haynesworth shared a photo showing him undergoing his first dialysis treatment outside the hospital.
"First and foremost I want to thank each and everyone that prayed and supported me during this new ordeal, you guys are amazing," Haynesworth wrote. "I want to also say I love you guys that are willing to give me a kidney their are no words that can describe my feelings for this blessing."
Haynesworth said that dialysis treatments have drained more than 12 pounds of fluid from around his lungs.
ESPN reported that after Haynesworth shared his plight July 10, Vanderbilt University Medical Center received more than 1,000 calls the first day from people offering to be a donor. Haynesworth noted in his post that potential donors will be sent a blood test to see if they are compatible and that for "my new family member (donor)," insurance and grants will cover the cost of the transplant and time missed for work.
Haynesworth, 38, played 10 NFL seasons for the Titans, Redskins, Patriots and Buccaneers.