In 2011, Jeff Green just signed the biggest contract of his career 💰
But in a week that was supposed to be filled with joy turned into a nightmare.
Before the start of each season, players are required to take a physical exam.
Green was entering the 5th season of his career and did the checkup as he normally would.
Instead of getting the typical stamp of approval, Green received news that he never thought was possible.
He had an aortic aneurysm in his heart, leaving not only his basketball career in danger, but his life 😬
Doctors said Green could never play again.
The Celtics revoked his contract, but losing $9 million was the last thing on Green's mind.
After all, he showed no symptoms, only missed 13 of his first 328 games, and was only 25 years old.
Green opted for surgery and nearly lost his life for it.
"What I was told was, when I came out of surgery, I had to go back because I had internal bleeding," Green said. "That’s something a lot of people didn’t know.”
Surviving the surgery alone would've been enough for some to be thankful for.
But Green knew he had more to offer the sport he's played since he was a kid.
The same sport that he nearly died playing for.
After just a year, Green was back 😤
The Celtics signed him to a 4-year, $36 million deal and he'd play 81 games.
Today, he's an NBA champion, made over $100 million, and is about to play in his 18th season.
From nearly losing it all to earning it all back, Jeff Green is the living embodiment of second chances 🙌