Geno Hayes. who played seven seasons in the NFL, is in hospice care due to liver complications, the Tallahassee Democrat reported on Thursday.
He is at his parents’ home in Georgia, per the Democrat.
Hayes, 33, attended Florida State University and was a sixth-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He actually replaced another Seminole great — and Pro Football Hall of Famer — in the Bucs’ linebacking unit.
Hayes moved into the starter’s role in his second season and finished with a career-best 98 tackles.
Hayes played in 101 NFL games with 70 starts between the Bucs (2008-11), Bears (2012), and Jags (2013-14). He had 401 career tackles and 10 sacks.
“Geno’s in need of prayers. He’s fighting for his life,” said former Madison County coach Frankie Carroll, who visited Hayes in Georgia last Sunday. “It’s tough. Geno’s a fun-loving guy.”
High school teammate Billy Ray Reddick echoed the coach’s sentiment.
“It’s a hard pill to swallow,” said Reddick, who added Hayes’ health had deteriorated in recent weeks.
