Athletes Shared Personal Histories of Blood Clots
Trey Smith and Kenneth Walker highlighted their experiences with pulmonary embolisms to support awareness efforts.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Stroke
Trey Smith and Kenneth Walker have opened up about their personal battles with life-threatening blood clots. Both athletes are currently using their platforms to support the Stop the Clot campaign.
Why it matters
Sharing these experiences helps raise awareness about the warning signs and recovery processes associated with pulmonary embolisms. It underscores that even elite athletes face significant medical challenges that require specialized, long-term care.
Kenneth Walker managed his condition with two daily injections of blood thinners for a period of 3 months. This treatment was necessary to clear clots before he was eventually cleared to resume competitive sports.
The players
Trey Smith
He is a professional football player who previously played for the University of Tennessee.
Kenneth Walker
He is a professional athlete who experienced health complications during his time at Arlington High School.
The details
Trey Smith missed his sophomore season in 2018 after being diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs, eventually receiving clearance from team doctors to return in 2019. Kenneth Walker experienced a similar medical crisis while attending high school in Arlington, Tennessee, requiring intensive daily intervention.
Timeline
Trey Smith was diagnosed with blood clots in 2018.
Trey Smith was cleared to return to football in 2019.
Trey Smith discussed his history with blood clots on Friday.
The Big Picture
The athletes are using their personal recovery stories to amplify the public health messaging established by the Stop the Clot campaign.
These stories highlight the importance of recognizing the symptoms of pulmonary embolisms early for anyone, not just athletes. Readers should consult with their own healthcare providers about any concerns regarding blood clotting risks or unusual respiratory symptoms.
The takeaway
Early medical evaluation and strict adherence to prescribed blood-thinning treatments are essential for returning to physical activity after a clotting event. Proactive awareness of one’s own health history can be a life-saving practice for athletes and the general public alike.
Further reading
Learn more about blood clot prevention and recovery in the Stroke section.
