Jan 5, 2012 · Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark won’t be the only NFL player in Denver on Sunday who carries the sickle-cell trait. But he’ll be the only one forced to wear street clothes because of...

Ryan Clark always knew he carried the trait for sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder. However, he never imagined it would affect him in the dramatic way that it did. The former NFL safety was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New York Giants in 2002 and went on to have a 13-year, Pro Bowl career.

Clark is involved with sickle cell disease awareness, research, treatment and programming in Pittsburgh. In 2012, he announced the formation of Ryan Clark's Cure League to raise awareness about sickle cell trait and eventually find a cure.

Sep 4, 2012 · Sickle cell trait is a genetic abnormality which can affect red blood cells. Clark was playing in Denver in October 2007 when he developed significant pain in his left side.

Nov 25, 2018 · It turned out that Clark, a carrier of the sickle cell trait, couldn’t handle the altitude’s effect on his red blood cells. He spoke openly about his experience in an interview a few years...

Aug 11, 2019 · Clark was diagnosed with splenetic infarction — that is, the tissue death of his spleen. He was rushed into surgery and his rotting spleen and gall bladder were removed. The underlying...

Clark, who carries the Sickle Cell Trait, had a flare up following a game against the Broncos, caused by exerting himself at the high altitude at Mile High Stadium. But Clark has since taken the opportunity to spread awareness not only about SCT but also about Sickle Cell Anemia.

May 14, 2024 · Clark, who suffered a splenic infarction during his playing career due to sickle cell disease, has been involved with sickle cell awareness, research, treatment and programming. In 2012, he formed Ryan Clark’s Cure League to raise awareness about the sickle cell trait with hopes of eventually finding a cure.

Jan 4, 2012 · Clark, the Steelers’ leader with 100 tackles this season, has a sickle cell trait that makes him susceptible to organ damage if he exerts himself at high altitude — and the Broncos’ stadium...

Sep 4, 2012 · Sickle cell disease is caused by inheriting two copies of the gene, and encompasses a group of inherited blood disorders that affect people of African ancestry, as well as those of Hispanic, Mediterranean (such as Greek and …