Report: Ex-Auburn DT Nick Fairley has heart condition that could jeopardize career

Nick Fairley is known as one of the most dominant defenders in Auburn history, but a recent report may mean that he has to hang up his cleats.

FOX Sports’ Jennifer Hale is reporting that Fairley, who currently plays for the Saints, has a serious heart condition that could threaten the future of his career. Fairley, who’s coming off a strong 2016 campaign, signed a four-year, $28 million contract this off-season.

Saints DT Nick Fairley has been absent from OTA's bc of medical issues. Tests show heart trouble that could jeopardize future of his career.

— Jennifer Hale (@JenHale504) June 3, 2017

Adding to @JenHale504 on Nick Fairley: Teammates who speak to him regularly haven't been able to get a hold of him, sources say.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 3, 2017

Whatever is going on with Fairley, something is clearly amiss. Though it’s sometimes common for vets like Fairley to miss OTAs, it is troubling that his teammates haven’t heard from him. No other information is currently available.

While at Auburn, Fairley won the 2010 SEC Defensive Player of the Year award and helped lead the Tigers to victory in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game. He was recognized as one of the leaders on the team, who, along with his offensive counterpart Cam Newton, guided the Tigers to their second undefeated season since 2000. He recorded 11.5 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in that season.

To make matters more unfortunate, Fairley is coming off his best season as a pro. Last season with the New Orleans Saints, Fairley was finally able to showcase the penetration and pass rushing skills that earned him a first-round selection by the Lions in 2011. The big DT registered a career-high 6.5 sacks and played in all 16 games for the first time in his career.

Will Ogburn

A former resident of both Baton Rouge and the heart of Crimson Tide country, Will Ogburn handles multimedia content and news coverage for Saturday Down South.