Former Champion Was Unconscious for 37 Days After Back Pain Turned Fatal
"I went to the hospital. I actually went to the hospital on the day before also. My back was hurting, just a back pain. I thought it was a back spasm. I woke up July 2nd. I didn't know where I was. I didn't know why I was there. I don't remember anything. I was asleep for, I wanna say it was 30, I think it was 37 days."
About this episode
Former NCAA wrestling champion and UFC fighter Ben Askren joined Chris Williamson to discuss his miraculous recovery from a near-fatal medical crisis that occurred almost exactly one year prior to the interview. In May 2024, what Askren initially dismissed as a back spasm turned out to be necrotizing pneumonia caused by a staph infection that had entered his bloodstream. His body was literally eating his lungs from the inside out. After being airlifted to Milwaukee and placed on ECMO life support with only a 40% survival chance, Askren remained unconscious for 37 days and ultimately required an emergency double lung transplant. He lost 60 pounds of muscle and couldn't walk unassisted for two months after waking. The episode explored how Askren's athletic background and mental toughness informed his recovery approach, his adoption of Christianity during the ordeal, and his shifted priorities around family and meaningful work. Despite the median lung transplant survival rate being just 6.5 years, Askren aims to become the longest-living double lung transplant recipient at 39 years, which would take him to age 80. He revealed plans to compete in wrestling again within a month and disclosed that a documentary about his journey will be released this fall. The conversation also covered Askren's controversial views on talent, his belief that wrestling produces uniquely mentally tough individuals, and his philosophy of taking every opportunity offered regardless of potential failure. Throughout, Askren emphasized living without fear of others' judgment and maximizing the 'extra' time he's been given.
Key takeaways
- Askren revealed a minor staph infection caused necrotizing pneumonia that destroyed his lungs, requiring emergency double lung transplant after 37 days unconscious.
- The median survival rate for double lung transplant recipients is only 6.5 years, though Askren aims for 39 years to set the record.
- Askren lost 60 pounds of muscle during hospitalization and couldn't walk unassisted for two months after regaining consciousness on July 2nd.
- He plans to return to competitive wrestling one year after transplant and has a documentary about his recovery releasing fall 2025.
- Askren argued talent doesn't exist, citing the Polgar sisters whose father declared he'd raise chess champions before procreating and succeeded.
- He became a Christian during the ordeal and shifted priorities toward family time and meaningful coaching work over business ventures.
- Askren must take immunosuppressants for life, requiring him to wear masks in public and avoid crowds to prevent infection with compromised immunity.