In a recent interview with DJ Vlad on VladTV, four-time NBA champion John Salley opened up about a topic that doesn’t get much attention: the hidden health risks of being extremely tall.
Known for his candor and willingness to speak on complex issues, Salley gave a sobering take on what it’s like to live in a 6’11” body long after the spotlight fades.
When DJ Vlad asked what the hardest part of being very tall is, Salley didn’t hesitate:
John Salley: “Your heart is, doesn’t last as long as others.”
DJ Vlad: “Really?”
John Salley: “Yeah, it’s a lot of strain for your heart to push blood all the way to the big toe and then back up to the bottom of your cranium, cuz blood doesn’t go all the way up, it just goes right to here, that’s a lot.”
DJ Vlad: “But you don’t really see really tall guys like dying early. Do you?… I mean Kareem’s still alive.”
John Salley: “Had a quadruple bypass and did some things a lot of people don’t, especially seven-footers, you know it’s a 50/50 chance getting past 60, so you know if you make it past is cool.”
The science backs him up. Taller individuals require their hearts to work harder to circulate blood through longer arteries and limbs, which increases cardiovascular strain over time. While being tall has its advantages in sports, especially basketball, Salley pointed out that the benefits come with a quiet cost most fans never consider.
Salley’s comments tap into a broader reality: many former NBA big men have faced serious health issues after retirement. From heart disease to joint deterioration, being tall is not just a physical blessing, it’s also a long-term medical burden.
The strain on internal organs, particularly the heart, can lead to a range of complications that aren’t always publicly visible, like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who indeed went through a major cardiac scare. In April 2015, Abdul-Jabbar underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
For Salley, who has spent decades observing both the game and the health of his peers, this isn’t just a trivia fact, it’s a lived reality. While fans admire the towering presence of players on the court, few realize the physical price they often pay later in life.
As the NBA continues to push the limits of athleticism and size, Salley’s message serves as a quiet warning. The bodies that dominate the game today may carry unseen risks tomorrow. And for the giants of basketball, living large sometimes comes with a heavy load, especially on the heart.
