FILE PHOTO – New York Giants quarterback Jared Lorenzen looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of their NFL exhibition football game in Baltimore, Maryland August 19, 2007. REUTERS/Joe Giza
Former New York Giants backup quarterback Jared Lorenzen was said to be gaining “traction” Wednesday, a positive sign after being hospitalized last week with heart and kidney issues, as well as an infection.
“Jared’s overnight was uneventful and that is a good thing,” Lorenzen’s family said in a statement through Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio. “He remains on dialysis. He continues to maintain his ground. His cardiac and renal issues remain however his treatment has been effective.
“Jared is still very sick … but (is) developing some traction and remains a fighter. The entire family thanks you for your support and prayers.”
Lorenzen remains in the intensive care unit after being admitted to the hospital Friday.
Lorenzen, 38, played four seasons at Kentucky (2000-03) and led the SEC in passing yards (3,687) as a freshman. He still holds the Wildcats’ record for career passing yards with 10,354.
Despite his collegiate success, he was undrafted in 2004 and later signed with the New York Giants as a free agent, backing up Eli Manning in 2006-07. He appeared in four games, completing four passes for 28 yards.
Because of his weight, which was listed at 285 pounds in his NFL career, he was nicknamed the “Hefty Lefty.” Weight continued to be an issue for Lorenzen after retirement and he said it climbed to more than 500 pounds.
In 2017, he launched The Jared Lorenzen Project, a videotaped weight-loss journey. He lost about 100 pounds within the first year.
—Field Level Media
