Former Raiders linebacker Neiron Ball in coma after suffering aneurysm

Neiron Ball, who ascended to a starting position as a Raiders rookie linebacker after surviving a rare blood vessel disorder, has been in a medically induced coma since Sept. 16 after an aneurysm burst in his brain.

Ball, 26, was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM) after experiencing headaches following a 2011 practice at the University of Florida. The condition can vary in terms of severity, and after surgery Ball recovered to the point where he resumed his career at Florida and was eventually drafted in the fifth round by the Raiders in 2015.

According to the Aneurysm and AVM Foundation, which spoke to Ball's family Tuesday, 'We believed Neiron's AVM was obliterated, that doesn't seem to be the case as he developed an aneurysm which burst. His family asks for continued prayers.'

With the Raiders, Ball befriended a 10-year-old boy who had an AVM two years earlier, a story which was reported in the Mercury News on Oct. 22, 2015.

As a Raiders rookie, Ball played on special teams and began to get more time on defense before getting his first NFL start against the San Diego Chargers in Week 7. Ball played 18 snaps before sustaining a non-contact knee injury.

Having already undergone microfracture knee surgery while at Florida - after he recovered from his AVM - Ball again needed knee surgery. He never recovered fully and was eventually released by the Raiders having played in six games with nine tackles and one sack.