Chargers Captain Will Suit Up Despite Devastating Death of Young Daughter
Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Brandon Mebane will suit up with a heavy heart Sunday against the New England Patriots after the death of his infant daughter.
Mebane had missed time over the last month to help care for his daughter, Makenna, who was born prematurely with the heart condition trisomy 13.
Mebane’s wife, Amena, moved with their two other children — daughter Mahailey and son Makai — to Omaha, Nebraska, for a hospital specializing in the care that Makenna needed. Mebane would often travel from Los Angeles to Nebraska on Mondays to see them before returning to LA on Tuesday nights.
Mebane, in his third season with the Chargers, broke the news of his daughter’s death to the media on Wednesday.
“She passed away January 3, Thursday,” he said. “She wasn’t getting better so we had to make a decision. She kept having bleeds from the stomach, and then when they tried to feed her, it wasn’t good for her liver.”
Mebane was listed as inactive for last weekend’s wild-card game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a personal issue. Most knew about the situation with his daughter, although no one was likely aware that she had died days earlier.
He said his family is holding up considering the circumstances, and he made it clear he’ll always carry Makenna’s memory with him.
“We’re doing pretty good,” he said of his family. “Just trying to take one day at a time. Still thankful (for having her in our life). Thank God every day. Still pray. We’re just taking it just one day at a time.”
Mebane last played in Week 17, and returning to the field this Sunday might be somewhat therapeutic for the 12-year veteran.
“No matter where I am, I still think about her,” he said. “I’m just happy I’m still able to play this game, so (I’m doing) pretty good.”
The Chargers have been extremely accommodating in helping Mebane during this tough time, and they extended their condolences to the Mebane family Wednesday.
Words are hard to come by with the passing of Brandon Mebane’s infant daughter, Makenna.
We are heartbroken.
Please join us in keeping Brandon, and his family, in your thoughts and prayers.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) January 9, 2019
When Makenna had surgery in November, team owner Dean Spanos lent Mebane his private plane so he could get to Omaha in time for the surgery.
“Every time I see (Spanos) I tell him thanks,’’ Mebane said. “That was special, man.’’
Mebane, who celebrates his 34th birthday next Tuesday, is a native of Los Angeles who signed with the Chargers when they were still in San Diego.
He spent his first nine seasons with the Seahawks and won a Super Bowl in the 2013 season.
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