Facing the Truth
Alge’s former Falcons teammate Warrick Dunn has experienced the same pattern with many players of his generation.
“All players are going to have transitional issues because once you leave the game of football, there’s nothing else you can do in life that gives you the same high,” he said.
Former professional players can be prone to experiencing significant weight gain, all while experiencing chronic pain, hypertension, blood sugar irregularities and sleep apnea. Alge had all these symptoms and his most critical health metrics were slumping. “I was afraid to go to the doctor to get a checkup,” remembered Alge. “I didn’t want to know what was happening to my body. You know, that fear of the unknown.”
It was during a routine meeting between the Falcons and Emory Healthcare, the team’s official healthcare provider, when Alge’s situation was discussed, and the idea of a health program designed for him came about. Tameka Rish, a Falcons executive and longtime friend of Alge’s, knew Emory Healthcare could help: “They could use their expertise to create a case study and documentary following him through the process. Then when we got to the other side, not only would we have a story to tell, but I truly believe we would change his life.”
Together, the Falcons and Emory Healthcare approached Alge with the concept to help him get his mental and physical health back on track – most importantly, a concrete plan Alge could follow. He knew he could help himself and share his story and help others. Faced with a potentially life-threatening situation, Alge embraced the opportunity.
The journey begins when Alge meets his care team. “Medicine is a team sport,” says Scott Boden, MD.
The journey begins when Alge meets his care team. “Medicine is a team sport,” says Scott Boden, MD.