Former Razorback Leotis Harris hopes his personal health struggles inspire others to get help
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A man who was once running plays on the football field is now running down a different path in life, one he may not have expected but hopes inspires others.
Leotis Harris said his faith helped him through hard and good times, even back when he was named the first black all-American football player at the University of Arkansas in 1977 and was later drafted by the Green Bay Packers.
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However, little did Harris know in 2001 he would have to lean more on his faith when his health took a turn after he noticed a pain in his side.
“They said that I had a spot on my kidney. The other doctor looked at it and he said it was cancer,” said Harris.
He had his kidney removed later that year but in 2006 he started to have shortness of breath and went back to the hospital.
“They found out that my arteries were 90% blocked,” Harris said.
Harris said he had to have open-heart surgery to fix it but later his remaining kidney got worse and began to fail, leading him to get a kidney transplant in 2021.
“I felt so much better,” Harris said.
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But a year later, a disease was found in Harris’ right foot affecting the bones and joints.
“Which is called Charcot foot, they told me that I need to go ahead and have it amputated,” said Harris.
Harris said it was a life adjustment he wouldn’t let hold him down.
“I said I will work to be able to walk again,” Harris said.
After therapy, Harris learned how to walk again following the amputation of his leg below the knee. Harris says he felt this new path in life guided him to want to help others.
“You have to get an annual check-up. You have to see what is going on. If you catch it in time it can save your life,” Harris said.
Harris said he reminds himself of that daily and hopes the message will save someone else.
“I’m telling people about my life and my journey so other people will know and maybe it can help them along the way,” Harris said.
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