‘It’s just important to stay healthy’: Dozens of former NFL players attend health screening

Collins played for the then-Redskins in their 1992 Super Bowl victory.

“Even though they are world-class athletes, they just shut down on the physical activities,” Collins said.

The screenings are comprehensive. They include blood work, EKGs, carotid ultrasounds, echocardiograms, and orthopedic evaluations.

If the screening unveils concerns, the players and their spouses are referred to a medical specialist at Wellstar.

Philip McKinnely is 72 and played for the Atlanta Falcons from 1976 to 1981 during his seven years in the NFL. He said he keeps healthy by working out every day and prioritizing health checkups.

“It’s just important to stay healthy, it’s just that simple,” he said. “And sometimes a lot of guys will not follow up on their health issues until something major happens to them.”

Collins said this screening should encourage everybody, especially men, not to ignore health matters and to stay active.

“The most important thing anyone could ever do for themselves is exercise,” he said. “It’s the most important thing.”

These screenings take place in four cities across the country every year.

“We just never know what’s going on inside our bodies, what’s building up, what’s slowing down,” he said. “You want those warning signs to give yourself time to do something about it. And that’s key.”