PITTSBURGH -- Former Steelers defensive end John Banaszak, a member of three Super Bowl championship teams, remains at Allegheny General Hospital in serious condition but seems to be improving.
"I just saw him about an hour ago," said Banaszak's son, Jay. "He has woken up, finally got a good night's sleep and he was joking around, alert, happy to see us."
Channel 4 Action News' Michelle Wright reported Jay Banaszak first took his father to a Washington County hospital because he was suffering from severe headaches. The patient was then flown to AGH because of bleeding around his brain.
Early reports suggested that Banaszak was hospitalized after suffering an aneurysm, but doctors on Friday said there's no evidence of an aneurysm at this time. Doctors are still performing tests, Wright reported.
"The first day he was having severe headaches, he was tired, light was bothering him. Definitely today he is much better. He is only treated medically but he is awake and alert. He still has headaches, of course. And (the) headache is expected to stay there for some time," said John Banaszak's neurosurgeon, Dr. Khaled Aziz.
Initial tests were negative for a ruptured aneurysm or vascular malformation, Aziz said.
"If he has two negative studies, he is going to require a third one, which he will do as an outpatient in about four or six weeks," Aziz said.
Robert Morris University football coach Joe Walton, whose assistant coaching staff includes John Banaszak, said Banaszak was working out at a location close to his home when he was rushed to the hospital.
"I came in to work (Thursday) morning, just jumped in the car and went down to the hospital to spend some time with Mary and her family," Walton told WTAE Channel 4 Action News anchor Sally Wiggin.
Walton did not know how long Banaszak would remain in intensive care but asked Steelers fans for their support.
"I think one thing you can do that is very important is you can help with the whole Steeler Nation to be praying for John. He'd like that more than anything else," said Walton.
"It was scary. He is doing better. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Been pretty amazing," Jay Banaszak said.
Earlier this month, John Banaszak was the honored guest at the annual
Mel Blount Youth Home All-Star Celebrity Roast at the Hilton Hotel and Towers downtown.
WTAE Channel 4 Video: Blount Celebrity Roast HighlightsJohn Banaszak played for the Steelers teams that won the Super Bowl in 1976, 1979 and 1980.
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