I’m a former NFL star and nearly died of a stroke at the age of 35 – doctors say it’s a miracle I’m still alive

A former NFL star has opened up about his recent health struggles following a potentially fatal stroke.

Chris Baker, 35, revealed his life was “almost over” after the traumatic ordeal earlier this month.

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Baker was a former NFL defenseman who was undrafted in the 2009 draft.

He was picked up by the Denver Broncos and stayed in the league for nine years.

Baker – known by his nickname “Swaggy” – spent time with the Dolphins, Commanders, Buccaneers and Bengals during his football career.

The talented D-lineman played every game for Washington during the 2016 NFL season and went viral off the field for his dance moves.

He hung up his boots in 2018 with a career total of 214 tackles and 12 sacks.

Baker suffered a stroke earlier this month and has since detailed on social media how close he came to death.

He wrote: “Tell your loved ones you love them. [Sic]My life almost ended 2 days ago.

“I can’t believe I had a stroke, but God isn’t done with me yet”

Since then, Baker has kept fans updated on his recovery and showed him walking with the help of a nurse at a hospital in Hartford, Connecticut.

According to TMZ, Baker required emergency surgery following his stroke.

While his mother detailed that doctors called his recovery a “miracle.”

Baker’s positive update from the hospital was received with much love in his social media comments section.

And football stars past and present flocked to offer him their best wishes.

Noah Spence wrote, “King… true as they come, press on each day better than the last.”

Glenn Dorsey added: “U got it big dawg.”

While Robert Griffin III sent love in the form of three prayer emojis.