“I had to take care of my younger brother”: How former Ravens star Ma'ake Kemoeatu's life-saving kidney donation became one of the NFL's most powerful brotherhood stories
For Ma’ake Kemoeatu, football was a huge part of his life. But when his younger brother Chris needed a kidney transplant , the former Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman made a decision that mattered more than his NFL career. Ma’ake stepped away from football and became his brother’s living donor.
In Aug 2014, the brothers underwent successful surgeries at the University of Maryland Medical Center . For Chris, the transplant offered a new chance at life. For Ma’ake, it marked the ultimate sacrifice for the family.
How Ma’ake Kemoeatu gave up his NFL career and make biggest sacrifice to save his younger brotherBefore becoming his brother’s kidney donor, Ma’ake Kemoeatu had already built a solid NFL career. The Baltimore Ravens signed Ma’ake as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He spent four seasons with the Ravens before joining the Carolina Panthers in 2006. He later played for Washington before returning to Baltimore in 2012.
But while Ma’ake was still playing, Chris was fighting a serious health problem. Chris had suffered kidney problems since childhood. The illness eventually became severe enough to force him out of football after the 2011 season. In 2013, he learned that he needed a kidney transplant.
Ma’ake immediately stepped forward. Tests showed that the older brother was a 99 percent match for Chris. Ma’ake then made the decision to leave the NFL in 2012 so he could prepare to donate his kidney. The choice meant putting his own football career aside while helping his brother through a difficult medical journey.
Speaking at a news conference at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore on September 17, 2014, Ma’ake explained why he made the choice.
“I had to take care of my younger brother,” he said. “If he needs blood, I’ll give blood and if he needs a kidney, I’ll give a kidney.”
The preparation was not simple. Ma’ake had to lose around 45 to 55 pounds before the procedure. The brothers spent about a year and a half preparing for the transplant.
Suddenly, another problem emerged. Doctors discovered that Chris needed a coronary bypass before he could receive the kidney. He underwent heart surgery in June 2014, delaying the transplant once again.
Finally, on August 27, 2014, the brothers underwent their kidney surgeries at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Both procedures succeeded, and they began recovering together.
Ma’ake later explained that he used football to help Chris deal with the setback. Speaking about the difficult period, he compared the heart surgery and kidney transplant to a football drive. He told his brother they might be facing fourth-and-long, but they would eventually reach the end zone.
How Chris Kemoeatu found new hope after his brother’s sacrificeFor Chris, the transplant represented much more than the end of a long medical issue.
Speaking with ABC News in 2014, he acknowledged the size of his brother’s sacrifice. “He made a huge sacrifice for me and blessed me with a new kidney,” Chris said.
The brothers had already shared an unusual NFL journey. Ma’ake played defensive line for the Baltimore Ravens and other teams, while Chris spent seven seasons as an offensive lineman with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, their biggest chapter had nothing to do with football. After the transplant, neither brother planned to return to the NFL. They hoped to return to their native Hawaii, work with children, support their foundation and spend more time with their family.
The University of Maryland Medical Center said the brothers supported each other throughout the entire process. Their careers had brought them Super Bowl memories, but this experience created a different kind of bond.
Ma’ake gave up his NFL career to help his brother. Then he gave Chris one of his kidneys. For Chris, that gift meant a chance to get his life back. For Ma’ake, it was simple. Football could wait but his younger brother could not.
In Aug 2014, the brothers underwent successful surgeries at the University of Maryland Medical Center . For Chris, the transplant offered a new chance at life. For Ma’ake, it marked the ultimate sacrifice for the family.
How Ma’ake Kemoeatu gave up his NFL career and make biggest sacrifice to save his younger brotherBefore becoming his brother’s kidney donor, Ma’ake Kemoeatu had already built a solid NFL career. The Baltimore Ravens signed Ma’ake as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He spent four seasons with the Ravens before joining the Carolina Panthers in 2006. He later played for Washington before returning to Baltimore in 2012.
His career also brought him a Super Bowl ring. Ma’ake was part of the Ravens team that won Super Bowl XLVII in Feb 2013. Chris had his own championship success with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning two Super Bowl titles during his seven seasons with the team. The University of Maryland Medical Center later described both brothers as successful NFL players who each had a Super Bowl ring.
But while Ma’ake was still playing, Chris was fighting a serious health problem. Chris had suffered kidney problems since childhood. The illness eventually became severe enough to force him out of football after the 2011 season. In 2013, he learned that he needed a kidney transplant.
Ma’ake immediately stepped forward. Tests showed that the older brother was a 99 percent match for Chris. Ma’ake then made the decision to leave the NFL in 2012 so he could prepare to donate his kidney. The choice meant putting his own football career aside while helping his brother through a difficult medical journey.
Speaking at a news conference at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore on September 17, 2014, Ma’ake explained why he made the choice.
“I had to take care of my younger brother,” he said. “If he needs blood, I’ll give blood and if he needs a kidney, I’ll give a kidney.”
The preparation was not simple. Ma’ake had to lose around 45 to 55 pounds before the procedure. The brothers spent about a year and a half preparing for the transplant.
Suddenly, another problem emerged. Doctors discovered that Chris needed a coronary bypass before he could receive the kidney. He underwent heart surgery in June 2014, delaying the transplant once again.
Finally, on August 27, 2014, the brothers underwent their kidney surgeries at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Both procedures succeeded, and they began recovering together.
Ma’ake later explained that he used football to help Chris deal with the setback. Speaking about the difficult period, he compared the heart surgery and kidney transplant to a football drive. He told his brother they might be facing fourth-and-long, but they would eventually reach the end zone.
How Chris Kemoeatu found new hope after his brother’s sacrificeFor Chris, the transplant represented much more than the end of a long medical issue.
The brothers had already shared an unusual NFL journey. Ma’ake played defensive line for the Baltimore Ravens and other teams, while Chris spent seven seasons as an offensive lineman with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, their biggest chapter had nothing to do with football. After the transplant, neither brother planned to return to the NFL. They hoped to return to their native Hawaii, work with children, support their foundation and spend more time with their family.
The University of Maryland Medical Center said the brothers supported each other throughout the entire process. Their careers had brought them Super Bowl memories, but this experience created a different kind of bond.
Ma’ake gave up his NFL career to help his brother. Then he gave Chris one of his kidneys. For Chris, that gift meant a chance to get his life back. For Ma’ake, it was simple. Football could wait but his younger brother could not.
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