Former longsnapper Dorenbos diagnosed with heart condition
Former Eagles long snapper Jon Dorenbos is one successful open heart surgery away from pulling off a death-defying feat.
The 37-year-old Dorenbos was diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm found during his physical with the Saints, who acquired him for a 2019 seventh-round draft pick. Had he not been dealt, the life-threatening condition might have gone untreated, some of his teammates felt.
“Obviously he wanted to be here,” Eagles special teams captain Chris Maragos said Friday. “But the situation he’s in, it could be a blessing in disguise. It could
have saved his life, possibly.”
Maragos said he texted Dorenbos, and hopes to speak with him after the procedure.
“I don’t know the extent of everything but I heard he’s going to be OK,” Maragos said. “I just wish him the best right now.”
The Saints obviously are sensitive to heart issues having discovered an enlarged heart in defensive tackle Nick Fairley, who will sit out the 2017 season.
Saints head coach Sean Payton anticipates the trade for Dorenbos being voided because the heart issue was a preexisting condition.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie issued a statement saying “Jon Dorenbos is like family to me and to the Eagles.
‘We are concerned for Jon first and foremost,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with him and his wife. At this time, we are all waiting to learn more
about his situation.”
During the 2011 season the Eagles traded running back Ronnie Brown to the Lions for running back Jerome Harrison and a 2013 seventh-round pick. The deal was voided when Harrison was diagnosed with a brain tumor by the Eagles, one requiring emergency surgery. Harrison, who was 29, didn’t play again. *** Eagles running backkick returner Darren Sproles can move into the top five on the all-time NFL list for all-purpose yardage this season.
The list is loaded with Hall of Famers. To wit: ALL PURPOSE YARDS IN NFL HISTORY 1. Jerry Rice 22,546 2. Brian Mitchell 23,330
3. Walter Payton 21,803
4. Emmitt Smith 21,564 5. Tim Brown 19,682 6. Marshall Faulk 19,190
7. Steve Smith Sr. 19,180
8. Darren Sproles 19,011 *** The Eagles are 1-point favorites versus the Redskins, who they oppose Sunday at FedEx Field.
Barring a late injury, the Eagles enter the game totally healthy.
The Redskins listed as questionable center Spencer Long (knee), linebacker Ryan Anderson (neck stinger) and wide receiver Jamison Crowder.
Long didn’t play in the preseason after undergoing arthroscopic surgery. He’s been limited in practices.
***
NOTES » With 11 or more takeaways in his first 24 games, Eagles veteran Jordan Hicks has matched the production of Hall of Famer Jack Ham, the last linebacker to do so, in 197172 … Last year Zach Ertz led all NFL tight ends with 5.57 receptions per game … The Eagles have won four of their last five season openers on the road, tying the Patriots for the best such winning percentage (80.0) since 2009 … Redskins head coach Jay Gruden is 0-3 in season openers.