Geno Hayes, a former star at Florida State who once played as a linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has entered into hospice care, according to a report by ESPN.
A tweet from ESPN’s Jenna Laine states that Hayes has been fighting liver disease and has been awaiting a liver transplant.
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For the last two years, few people knew about Geno Hayes’ liver disease or need for a transplant. He told me before entering the hospital most recently, he “didn’t want to be a burden.” But he also thought he might be able to help someone, so he opened up https://t.co/m4ZVQVULJI
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) April 22, 2021
The Jaguars tweeted: “Stay strong and keep fighting!”
Our thoughts are with @55_AlwaysLive.
— #DUUUVAL (@Jaguars) April 22, 2021
Stay strong and keep fighting! pic.twitter.com/YjYco1u6sI
Hayes was taken by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 2008 draft, appearing in 56 games with the team. He also played with the Chicago Bears.
Hayes signed a $2 million contract with the Jaguars in 2013 and became a free agent after the 2014 season.
Before playing in the NFL, Hayes was a first-team All-ACC linebacker with the Seminoles.