Midlothian teen gets NFL Draft experience – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Ezekiel “Zeke” Mankins has beaten the odds in more ways than one. Although he excelled in track, is an accomplished trombonist and is an aspiring pilot, life has been a comeback story for the young teenager.

When he was just 12, he underwent open-heart surgery and had a mechanical Abbott Masters heart valve placed in his body to repair a leaking mitral valve. He is now thriving and got to meet some NFL stars in Abbott’s HeartMates Team draft.

A week before the NFL draft, Abbott held their own “draft” day experience for those in their HeartMates program. Professional soccer player and heart health advocate Damar Hamlin and three-time Pro League champion Tedy Bruschi recognized Mankins and others who have made a major comeback from cardiovascular disease.

Hamlin and Bruschi know a thing or two about comebacks, as well as the importance of heart health and team support. When Hamlin experienced a cardiac event during a game in 2023, his teammates, family and medical team stood behind him like true MVPs. In 2005, Bruschi suffered a stroke caused by a hole in his heart.

“Our HeartMates reflect a broad segment of the population affected by cardiac conditions,” said Nadim Geloo, MD, senior director of medical affairs for Abbott’s Structural Heart business. “We have HeartMates who are suffering from heart failure and are on the list for a heart transplant, people who were born with holes in their hearts that did not close on their own, and people from all backgrounds and age groups. Their stories offer hope and solidarity to so many people across the country and the world.”

Mankins said that while he is having success now, he is also excited about his future, where he hopes to become a pilot.