Playing With Heart: High school football star battles heart disease

WVU FOX 8, New Orleans | Nancy Parker
Photo: Kaylon Marshall (center) with teammates in Shreveport

New Orleans, La. -At 5-feet-10, 285 pounds, Kaylon Marshall dominated the football field. But life threw the teen a pass he never imagined. His heart was in the game of football, but that same heart failed him.

During the 2011 season, his hits brought more respect to Shreveport's Calvary Baptist Cavaliers.

"They called him 'the Beast.' He was the target of all the opposing teams," said his mother Pamela Marshall.

But even "the Beast" was not invincible.

"I think I remember the last game. I didn't feel good at all and I don't even think my mama wanted me to play because I couldn't breathe at all," Kaylon said.

He said it took him a while to get up when he made a tackle because he was so winded. A doctor confirmed a diagnosis that no amount of training could prepare Kaylon for.

"He said I had cardiomyopathy and they had to give me fluid pills to get the fluid off." he said.

The disease of the heart muscle can lead to heart failure. Kaylon collapsed a few days later at school.
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