JJ Watt, an NFL standout for the Arizona Cardinals, welcomed his first child a few weeks after experiencing a terrible A-fib cardiac crisis.
On October 23, Watt and his wife Kealia Ohai gave birth to a son they named Koa James Watt.
In an Instagram post announcing the birth of his baby, he said, “Love and happiness have reached heights we never even knew existed.”
The baby’s arrival occurs only a few weeks after Watt’s health scare.
On October 2, Watt stated on Twitter that his heart needed to be shocked back into rhythm before his Arizona Cardinals’ game against the Carolina Panthers.
After defeating the Panthers 26-16, Watt became emotional while discussing his A-fib and the impending birth of his son.
He also said he considered not playing but was assured by doctors it was safe.
Watt said: “Obviously, it’s been a very emotional week for my family, for my wife, for myself.
“So, I’m very happy to get a win today.
“Obviously, I’ve had a lot of emotions, but I’ve learned to appreciate the little things even more, and so it’s nice to have a win today.”
Watt added: “The only people that knew were people I should trust.
“And, so, injuries, I don’t care. If you leak injuries, whatever, that’s football. But this one was very emotional for me, so it upset me.”
Watt shared the news on his A-fib scare after becoming aware that it was leaked and set to be reported.
“I went into A-Fib on Wednesday, had my heart shocked back into rhythm on Thursday and I’m playing today.”