Chris Bosh expressed his gratitude for being alive following a recent critical medical incident where he regained consciousness to find himself “covered in his own blood.”
The celebrated Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee disclosed specifics of this episode in an online video published on Wednesday, which exceeded two minutes in duration.
“The experience was astonishing. It happened rapidly. It was immediate. There was no prior indication. I had no moment to brace myself,” he recounted. “I was preparing for an outing with my spouse, and suddenly, I found myself collapsed on the floor.”
Bosh, whose professional basketball career concluded in February 2019 due to complications from blood clots, chose not to elaborate on the particulars in the video, nor when contacted by ESPN correspondent Brian Windhorst. He mentioned that his recovery is ongoing and that he would not conceal this fact, indicating the visible absence of blood beneath his eyes.
Bosh articulated that he possessed no remembrance or awareness of the incident, describing it as “utter blackness.” This frightening occurrence caused him to adopt a changed perspective on existence. He stressed the importance of not postponing action until it’s too late, whether concerning travel aspirations or entrepreneurial ventures.
“Irrespective of the situation, ensure you do not procrastinate. That is my key takeaway from this experience. Avoid delaying action, as circumstances can change rapidly. And I am fortunate to be living, which fills me with immense satisfaction,” he stated. “My current focus is on how I conduct my everyday existence. That is the essence of it. Simply, do not hesitate.”
The ex-Miami Heat luminary initially encountered a blood clot in February 2015; a coagulation developed in one of his lower limbs and migrated to a pulmonary organ, necessitating several days of hospital care. Upon discharge, he ultimately participated in 53 contests during the 2015-16 season, marking the concluding professional year of his 13-season NBA tenure.
Bosh received a diagnosis of another blood clot in his leg in February 2016, leading him to sit out the rest of that season. In his September documentary titled “Rebuilt,” he disclosed that medical professionals with the Heat informed him that his professional basketball journey was “likely concluded” following this subsequent diagnosis.
He had plans to compete in the 2016-17 season, yet the Heat organization, for which Bosh had been a player for six seasons, did not clear him in a physical examination conducted prior to the training camp. Miami formally released him on July 4, 2017, subsequently honoring him by retiring his number 1 jersey on March 26, 2019.
Bosh secured two championship titles with the Heat and maintained an average of 19.2 points along with 8.5 rebounds throughout his professional basketball career. He gained induction into the Hall of Fame in 2021 and contemplated his premature departure from the sport during his acceptance address.
“Having at last achieved the pinnacle, with numerous endeavors still remaining, in my view, a great deal more to accomplish, everything ceased,” he commented. “I ultimately understood that within each of us lies the capacity to maximize every single day, irrespective of circumstances, transforming adversities into advantages.”
