Chris Bosh has revealed that a pulmonary embolism caused the medical emergency that left him waking up covered in blood earlier this year. The two-time NBA champion said he "almost dropped dead pretty much and came back to life."
The former Toronto Raptors and Miami Heat star first disclosed the scare in February, writing on X that there had been no warning. "I was getting ready to go on a date with my wife, and the next thing you know, I was on the ground," he wrote. "I woke up covered in my own blood. It was crazy. It was fast. It was instant." At the time, he said he would not get into specifics but wanted fans to know he was still recovering.
Five months later, Bosh gave those specifics in an interview with HoopsHype. "I had another pulmonary embolism," he said. "I was in the hospital for a week. But, take your medicine. I'm taking my medicine every day, taking care of myself every day, and watching it."
"You've got to deal with it for the rest of your life," Bosh said. "I thought I was past it. I am not. So, you know, it's just making sure I stay on top of my regimen."
What is a pulmonary embolism
According to Mayo Clinic, a pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that blocks and stops blood flow to an artery in the lung. The hospital says the condition can be life-threatening, though prompt treatment greatly reduces the risk of death.
Bosh's history of blood clots
Bosh's NBA career ended in 2019 after a long battle with health issues. Medical officials confirmed in June 2015 that Bosh had developed blood clots in one of his lungs, ending his 2014-15 season.
He returned on opening night of the 2015-16 season and played the first 53 games before suffering a calf injury. During the 2016 NBA All-Star break, doctors discovered another blood clot, this time in his leg.
Bosh could not pass a physical when he attempted to return for the 2016-17 season. He announced in 2019 that his pursuit of playing was over.
Wembanyama's similar battle
In December 2025, San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama spoke about his own battle with deep vein thrombosis, a condition in which a blood clot forms in one or more deep veins. In an interview with ESPN, the French forward said he suffered a breakdown when doctors told him the news.
"I remember clearly, it's going to be one year soon since I learned," Wembanyama told ESPN. "It was five minutes of total breakdown, probably. Obviously, crying and sadness and feeling the fragility of life and health."
The Spurs shut Wembanyama down for the rest of the season shortly after his diagnosis to allow him time to recover. By the summer, he had been cleared for full basketball activities after successful treatment.
