Nate Robinson, the former Washington Huskies star and NBA point guard, has acquired a new kidney after enduring renal failure for seven years. The 40-year-old made this announcement on Friday, and an ESPN report indicated that he successfully underwent an organ transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center. The news prompted over 20,000 interactions on social media, with notable responses from former NBA greats Dwyane Wade and Jamal Crawford. In 2022, Robinson had shared that he had been privately managing treatment for renal failure for four years.
During a June interview with Men’s Health, Robinson revealed that his kidney function was at less than 15% of its ideal level. The son of celebrated Husky running back Jacques Robinson, he initiated a well-documented journey as a two-sport athlete in football and basketball at Rainier Beach High.
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches with a remarkable 43.5-inch vertical leap, the athlete signed a football scholarship with the University of Washington in 2002. He played one season, which featured six starts at cornerback and a memorable interception during the 2002 Apple Cup, before shifting his focus to basketball.
Robinson shone brightly for three seasons on the University of Washington men’s basketball team, leading the Huskies to two consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 finish in his junior year.
In 2005, he entered the NBA draft and was chosen as the 21st overall pick in the first round by the Phoenix Suns. Following a trade on draft night to the New York Knicks, he spent 4½ seasons in New York City, where he became a celebrated high-scoring backup guard.
Over the course of his 11-year NBA career, Robinson played for eight teams and reached the height of his popularity after winning three NBA Slam Dunk contests, first in 2006 and then back-to-back in 2009 and 2010.
After his final appearance in the NBA in 2016, Robinson ventured into professional boxing for a short period, which concluded with a knockout loss to Jake Paul in his debut fight in November 2020. Diagnosed with kidney disease in 2006, Robinson chose to continue his professional career despite medical advisories concerning his high blood pressure and recommendations for retirement.
