Breaking: Former Cowboys Starter In His 30s Suffers Massive Heart Attack – Gridiron Heroics

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the biggest fan bases in the league.  Their knowledge about current and former Cowboys players is extremely well documented.  As he head into the 2025 season, their hearts will be heavy and the team will have a little extra motivation.

Breaking: Former Cowboys Starter In His 30s Suffers Massive Heart Attack

Breaking: Former Cowboys Starter In His 30s Suffers Massive Heart Attack - Gridiron Heroics
Oct 16, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys helmet on the bench against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Henry Melton is fighting for his life:

At just 38 years old, Melton is recovering from a major heart surgery after doctors discovered a serious condition that nearly turned fatal. Just as he begins the long road to recovery, Melton is also grieving the loss of his mother, Cinithia Melton, who passed away earlier this week.

A fourth-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2009, Melton played for the Cowboys during the 2014 season and was a key contributor on a playoff-bound team. But now, his days aren’t measured in tackles or sacks but in steps toward recovery. Longtime Cowboys reporter Clarence Hill Jr. shared the heartbreaking news on social media, urging fans to pray for Melton.

“Please put former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Henry Melton in your prayers,” Hill wrote on X. “He is still recovering from a near fatal heart issue that required major surgery… now he has to deal with the loss of his mother.”

Breaking: Former Cowboys Starter In His 30s Suffers Massive Heart Attack - Gridiron Heroics
Sep 7, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at AT&T Stadium. San Francisco beat Dallas 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Back in February, Melton suffered a sudden and terrifying medical emergency. According to a GoFundMe page created by his family, Melton lost feeling in his legs without warning. His daughter, Pey, acted quickly and called 911.

Paramedics rushed him to Northwestern Hospital in Chicago, where doctors diagnosed him with an aortic dissection- a tear in the major blood vessels branching from his heart. He underwent emergency open-heart surgery with just a 50/50 chance of survival.

The surgery saved his life, but the journey since hasn’t been easy. Melton spent three weeks in the ICU and now faces a future filled with ongoing medical care and physical recovery. Despite the severity of his condition, the GoFundMe notes that Melton is gradually getting back on his feet.

Breaking: Former Cowboys Starter In His 30s Suffers Massive Heart Attack - Gridiron Heroics
Sep 24, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detail view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a look at Melton’s stats:

Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD
2010 CHI 16 0 16 13 3 2.5 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0
2011 CHI 15 15 24 18 6 7.0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2012 CHI 14 14 44 32 12 6.0 9 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
2013 CHI 3 3 5 3 2 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 -1 0
2014 DAL 16 3 15 11 4 5.0 6 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 1 0
2015 TAM 16 1 30 18 12 2.0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0
80 36 134 95 39 22.5 29 0 0 0 0 7 3 6 0 0
Breaking: Former Cowboys Starter In His 30s Suffers Massive Heart Attack - Gridiron Heroics
Nov 2, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws a pass while being defended by Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) at AT&T Stadium. Arizona beat Dallas 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

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