Nate Robinson announces he’s dealing with kidney failure

By Percy Allen
Seattle Times staff reporter
Nate Robinson, the multisport standout who starred on the football field and basketball court at Rainier Beach High and the University of Washington before an 11-year NBA career, said he’s battling kidney failure.

“I am currently undergoing treatment for renal kidney failure and have been privately dealing with it for the last four years,” Robinson said in a statement Saturday. “I’m sharing this now because I want to be the voice for all those who are having trouble speaking about this illness and come together for a greater cause — our health.”

The 38-year-old Robinson, one of the best all-around athletes in Washington state history, rose to acclaim a little more than two decades ago as an undersized prep superstar.

Robinson’s freakish athleticism — he broke the boys state record in the 110-meter hurdles and was measured at 43.5 inches in the vertical leap — allowed the 5-foot-9 dynamo to excel in football and basketball.

Following in the footsteps of his famous father, Jacque, who played running back at UW, Robinson signed with the Huskies in 2002. He played 13 games and started the final six at cornerback, including a highlight interception in the 2002 Apple Cup.
Robinson left football after one year, which was considered a controversial decision at the time.

“Nobody really doubted me playing football, making it to the NFL,” Robinson said in a 2014 interview with The Seattle Times. “I was like, ‘I know I can do that.’ In my mind, I wanted to know, for sure, for myself, that I could play in the NBA. And so I decided to stop playing football. When Washington fired coach [Rick] Neuheisel [in June 2003], it made my decision easier. I said: ‘You know what? I’m going to go play basketball and see where this carries me and how far this takes me. If it doesn’t work, I can always go back to playing football.’”

Robinson played three years for the UW men’s basketball team while helping the Huskies to two straight NCAA tournament appearances, including the Sweet 16 during his junior year.

In 2005, Robinson entered the NBA draft and was taken No. 21 overall in the first round by the Phoenix Suns. Following a draft night trade to the New York Knicks, he spent 4½ seasons in Gotham City, where he rose to stardom as a high-scoring backup guard.

Robinson played for eight teams during an 11-year NBA career highlighted by winning three NBA Slam Dunk contests, first in 2006 then back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.

Robinson’s popularity exploded due to his high-flying aerial exploits and gregarious personality.

He’s promoted his autobiography, “Heart over Height,” worked out with the Seattle Seahawks in 2016 while contemplating a return to football, starred in the film “Uncle Drew” in 2018 and made an ill-fated venture into boxing that ended with a second-round knockout in his professional debut in 2020.

Robinson hopes his medical announcement can assist others.

“I was never a vocal leader on the court, I preferred to lead by example, but now it’s time for me to speak up and help all those affected by or dealing with kidney disease,” he said. “I am grateful for the care and support I’ve received and continue to receive during this process and hope through this announcement that I can help others like me.”