UPDATE: Tyler Reddick says 4-month-old son Rookie is doing better but “some of the tougher moments are definitely ahead.”
Reddick’s wife, Alexa took their second child, Rookie, to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte last week and posted on Instagram that he was showing signs of heart failure.
Reddick said Saturday of his son: “Healthier is probably not the right word, but I’ve never seen him happier. His color looks good. He’s gained weight. A lot of things are going well. All that being said, some of the the tougher moments are definitely ahead. We’re definitely not in the clear. There are some things we need to get through first.
“So, on one hand, I’m really happy and it makes me feel great that he’s doing much better right now, but certainly we have some hurdles we have to get through first before we’re even thinking about leaving the hospital or thinking about what comes next.”
— NBC Sports —
AND: Alexa posted an update to Instagram on Saturday night: “Rookie has a tumor that’s ‘choking’ the renal vein & renal artery. Telling the heart ‘hey I’m not getting enough blood… pump harder.’ Causing the enlarged heart. He will need the entire kidney removed as it is not believed to be functioning any longer. He will undergo open surgery to remove his right kidney. We’re just not sure when. Waiting is ok right now to give his heart a break while he’s on BP medication. They expect his heart to fully recover because it was just an innocent bystander. We have answers but a journey ahead to bring our little Cookie home.
We’re happy, we’re talking, blowing bubbles, playing,& interacting with every nurse & doctor that comes in his room.
Thank you thank you to everyone who’s reached out. I see your kind words.”
ORIGINAL POST 9-29-2025: Tyler Reddick competed in a critical NASCAR Cup Series playoff race Sunday while his 4-month son, Rookie, was in a cardiovascular intensive care unit undergoing tests following signs of heart failure.
Reddick’s wife, Alexa, had posted Sunday morning on Instagram about their baby’s health crisis and asking for prayers:
“After a run around for months with the pediatrician office, I knew what was going on was something bigger. Always trust your mom gut. Our sweet Rookie was showing signs of heart failure that were being missed. Please please pray for this sweet guy that God heals his heart. With God, Rookie, and his amazing doctors here at Levine’s I believe He can. We are in the cardiovascular ICU while we get some answers and work on improving heart function.”
— Fox Sports —