Former NBA star Nate Robinson receives kidney transplant after life-threatening illness

On Friday, Nate Robinson underwent surgery for a kidney transplant from a live donor, per ESPN’s Baxter Holmes. Robinson’s kidneys began failing in 2021 but after he announced he needed a donor in 2024, thousands of people volunteered to give their kidney to Robinson.

Robinson couldn’t be more grateful. Before beginning the surgery on Friday, the NBA veteran posted a message to his Instagram.

“I’m here to celebrate and thank the LORD for all he has done in my life, today is the day I get my new kidney, thank you to all the people that sent prayers and texted my phone giving me encouragement (and) love!!!”

Robinson played in the NBA from 2005-15. During his time in the league, he played for eight different teams. Robinson finished his career with 618 regular-season appearances and 107 starts. He averaged 11.0 points, 2.3 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

While Robinson was never an NBA All-Star, he was a fan favorite. At only 5-foot-9, Robinson is one of the shortest players to ever play in the NBA. Despite Robinson’s lack of height, he was notorious for playing above the rim.

Nate Robinson boasted a 43.5-inch vertical and was capable of posterizing an opponent on any given play. He won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest three times (2006, ’09, ’10). During his collegiate career at Washington, Robinson was a two-time All-Pac-10 First-Team member.

Randy Moss shares health update in NFL Honors appearance

In December, Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Randy Moss announced that he’d been diagnosed with bile duct cancer and would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown. During the NFL Honors on Thursday evening, Moss made a virtual appearance to present the Comeback Player of the Year Award and provided an update on his health while doing so.

“Good evening everybody, how are y’all doing? It is great to talk to you tonight,” Moss said. “I’m sorry I could not be there in person to join you all. But I want to send a special thank you to all of my doctors, my beautiful wife, my children, my family, my teammates and all the prayer warriors out there. We are ‘Mossing’ cancer and I cannot wait to get back on television with all my guys.

“But tonight I am thrilled to be able to present an award I was honored to win myself back in 2007 with the New England Patriots – 23 touchdowns. There’s no better story in the National Football League than the one about a player who does big things, overcomes adversity and faces obstacles, but ultimately finds their way back to the mountain top.”

Moss was named the Comeback Player of the Year in 2007 after joining the New England Patriots and boosting the team to a Super Bowl appearance. Now, Moss is working to make another awe-inspiring comeback.