Mark Bavaro’s residence north of Boston perfectly embodies the quintessential charm of New England. Within, there’s a room dedicated to football memorabilia, tastefully understated to match Bavaro’s personality. Nothing overtly suggests that this two-time Super Bowl champion and the best tight end in New York Giants history resides here.
Yet, an unexpected revelation lies in the rows of prescription bottles adorning the kitchen island and cabinet, a stark contrast to his unassuming demeanor. These pills, remnants of a tumultuous battle, could seemingly cater to an entire football team. However, they are exclusively for Bavaro, who endured a severe bout of long-term Covid. For six agonizing months, he grappled with anxiety, paranoia, dizziness, fogginess, and headaches, contemplating the grim idea that life might not be worth living.
Amidst this struggle, Bavaro opened up about the profound impact of his experience, acknowledging the thoughts of suicide that haunted his nights. His mind, once a symbol of resilience on the football field, succumbed to a disease unfamiliar even to the robust fraternity of former players. Bavaro’s journey, marked by the relentless attacks on his mental well-being, led him to empathize with others facing similar struggles.
Reflecting on the tragic fates of fellow football players like Dave Duerson, Andre Waters, and Junior Seau, diagnosed with CTE posthumously, Bavaro grappled with the question of whether life could ever be so unbearable that one would choose to leave behind loved ones through suicide. The internal debate, torn between the emotional and intellectual sides, mirrored the conflicts within those who had made that harrowing choice.
Despite the darkness that enveloped him, Bavaro, known as “Rambo” in his playing days, refused to succumb. The former All-Pro, though he detested the nickname, epitomized toughness. Recalling a game in 1986 where he played through a broken jaw, his resilience on the field mirrored the inner strength that would later help him confront the horrors of long-term Covid.
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The health struggles began in April 2021 when Bavaro contracted Covid after a family visit. The ensuing physical and mental agony surpassed the challenges of his NFL career. His wife, Susan, believed that the effects of Covid might be exacerbated by the hits sustained during his football days. However, Bavaro refrained from blaming the sport, acknowledging the complexity of his health issues.
Weeks after contracting Covid, Bavaro faced episodes of passing out and relentless insomnia, culminating in a violent fall in the bathroom. This incident marked the beginning of a harrowing period where he contemplated death. Despite his resilience, he found himself in a downward spiral, enduring months of agony that tested the limits of his will to live.
His road to recovery involved numerous medications and doctor visits. The NFL Trust program at Massachusetts General Hospital provided a lifeline, introducing new medications that gradually brought relief. Bavaro’s gratitude extended to the medical professionals who guided him through breathing exercises and prescribed medications, ultimately saving him from the edge of despair.
By the end of 2021, Bavaro had tapered off most medications, holding onto one for seizures and anxiety. His recovery journey, though arduous, reaffirmed his determination to embrace life despite the lingering scars of a debilitating battle with Covid.
