Arian Foster has been told that he is likely to need to undergo a heart procedure later this year.
The Houston Texans running back was forced out of the game against the Minnesota Vikings in December with an irregular heartbeat.
It is expected that the operation with take place in around a month's time.
Foster has had an issue with his heart since he was 12, where it races uncontrollably, but the incident last year was the first time that it had happened on the field.
Doctors have been trying to figure out what triggers the incidents.
Foster rushed for 1,424 yards during the 2012 season, scoring 15 touchdowns.
