Mike Harris is a 28-year-old former Vikings guard who has been a part of the NFL since 2012. During his career, Harris was featured in 48 games of which he started 33. He was very much a starter and had what it took to be a game changer for the Vikings. His career spanned over five seasons and he played three of them at Minnesota. In June 2016, he experienced symptoms of a congenital brain condition but it was initially thought to be a concussion. It was later revealed that the symptoms were owing to something much more serious but even then, it was not expected to be career threatening.
Latest reports from Twincities and Nbc Sports, have confirmed that Harris is retiring as suggested by his medical advisors.
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
The full diagnosis of the condition as done by the Mayo Clinic revealed that the condition was in fact as a result of a tangle of abnormal Blood Vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain. The clinic did a CT scan and made these findings. It is reported that the injury was not football related but Harris was advised to stop playing football since the strenuous demands of the game can be harmful and make it worse. AVM facilitates a higher rate of bleeding than other blood vessels and is not exclusive to the brain. Mike is expected to have a minor procedure done within the upcoming months which would ensure that he is able to lead a normal life (exclusive of football).
The procedure is called Gamma Knife radiosurgery and is expected to last about 20 minutes.
How is Mike doing nowadays?
In an interview with NBC Sports, Mike relived the entire experience and gave a vivid account. He said that he was on his iPad at home when he suddenly felt like he was having a stroke. He was subsequently greeted by dizzy spells and feelings that he couldn't see.
He went on to say "For a long time I was really depressed about the whole situation but I finally am in the light. At the end of the day, I want to live to be a grown man."
Mike has been showing his support to the Vikings as a fan every game since his incident. The Vikings have opted to pay him some of his contract money in an act of good faith even though they are under no obligation to do so.
Mike gave off sentiments of nostalgia when he said that football gave him a good life and that he had been playing since the age of ten.
As with any sport, injuries are a major part of some careers. In Mike's case, the situation was not sports related but the effect was severe on his esteemed career. Mike can be proud of his accomplishments during his time in the NFL and walk away with his head held high. What's in store for the big man after football is yet to be known but we wish him success in the procedure and in all of his endeavors from here on.
