He was the Packers’ second first-round pick in the 1967 NFL draft after a surprise call from Vince Lombardi and helped them win the Super Bowl the next season. But now the 79-year-old Don Horn needs help to cover his medical expenses after a medical scare left him with only a 5% chance of survival. Even though he has recovered, he realized that his insurance only covers a portion of the treatment.

Horn suffered from colonic necrosis, also known as a dead colon, and spent over a month in the hospital before being discharged. Now to cover his expenses during in-home care in order to completely recover, he has started a GoFundMe.

Don Horn fights through a debilitating disease

According to his son Ryan, Horn complained of stomach pain and had to be rushed to the emergency room on June 26. After a diagnosis revealed colonic necrosis, it was found that his colon was infected and sent him into septic shock. Emergency surgery led to 85% of his colon being removed and he recovered slowly before being sent home last week for intensive care. However, he is now in need to cover those expenses.

On his GoFundMe page Horn narrated the ordeal as he wrote, “Six weeks ago, I was faced with a life-threatening medical emergency that changed everything in an instant. Rushed to the ICU. I fought for my life with a mere 5% chance of survival. Thanks to incredible strength, resilience, and the unwavering support of medical professionals, I made it through.”

The page has a goal of $40,000 to reach and is sitting at about $6,350. He needs help with aftercare as he will be on dialysis three times a week. “I now require intensive in-home care to support my healing process and help me regain my independence. While my insurance covers a portion of these expenses, it falls short of covering everything I need,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, his son did share a positive update about his father’s health as he continues to battle the debilitating disease. “He’s a fighter so he will continue to fight. He’s getting better daily, so that’s a plus,” Ryan said. Don Horn also thanked people for their support and appealed for more of their help as he tries to recover.

“I deeply appreciate all the prayers, support, and well-wishes that have gotten me this far. Now, I need additional financial assistance to help pay for my in-home care. Your generosity will ensure that I receive the necessary support to fully recover and rebuild my life,” Horn’s GoFundMe page further read.

Don Horn played football for San Diego State under the tutelage of Don Coryell and was an All-American. The 1967 draft saw him linked with various teams. The rumor mill had the Lions, Oakland, and the Giants as his professional destination. But fate had other plans. While sitting and waiting in a room during draft day, he was listening to the radio and saw teams he was rumored to join pick other players.

Toward the end of the first round, the phone rang with Kansas City set to make their pick. As it turned out, it was Lombardi on the phone to Horn’s disbelief. The Packers icon told him that they wanted to make him their draft pick and a few minutes later Horn was officially a Green Bay player.

Packers fans will remember his memorable performances in his first two seasons. First was the game against the Bears in the 1968 season where he threw for 187 yards and two touchdown passes as the Packers won 28-27. The QB had a rating of 142.4 for that game.

In the 1969 season, the last game of the season against the Cardinals saw him make history. The Packers thrashed the Cardinals 45-28 and Horn threw for 410 yards and had five touchdown passes. This was the first time a Packers quarterback had thrown for more than 400 passing yards.

Though he was a backup QB, he did start 5 games in 1969 and had a 4-1 record as a starter. It was also his best season with his 11 recorded touchdowns. After his rookie contract was over, he was traded to the Denver Broncos where he played two seasons before moving on to the Cleveland Browns. A year after that, he found himself playing for the San Diego Chargers in 1974.

Now, that the legend is a survivor of a difficult health condition and asked for help, it is salient to note that the NFL world has rallied in coming together for gridiron stars. An example of the same is when Damar Hamlin got tackled and suffered a cardiac arrest on the field.

The whole football world coming together for Damar Hamlin

The Bills safety’s cardiac arrest was an eye-opening moment for the NFL. January 2, 2023, was perhaps the darkest day for Damar Hamlin and the football fans. He took a hit against the Cincinnati Bengals and didn’t get up. While many feared for the worst, the paramedics did their best and saved Hamlin’s life before admitting him to UC Medical Center in Cincinnati after his cardiac arrest.

The shockwaves weren’t just limited to the NFL at that point. Teams, players, and fans from other sports joined hands and raised $10 million for Hamlin’s GoFundMe page. Thankfully, Bills’ safety recovered and announced later that he would donate those millions to his charity, Chasing M’s.

According to Hamlin’s X handle, the proceeds were supposed to be directed to UC Medical Center’s trauma department which helped Hamlin in his darkest times. Also, all the proceeds from his jersey sales went to his charity and later, he announced a partnership with the American Heart Association to promote CPR training because that’s what saved his life in the crucial moment.

Once again the NFL world is faced with a similar situation, it is the Green Bay Packers legend who needs all the help and prayers he can get.