CHECK ON MAXIE
Condition updates on Max Williams are available at www.caringbridge.org. Williams’ page on the site can be accessed by typing “Maxie” into the name space.
Visitors to the site also can leave get-well wishes online.
Eric Poole, Calkins Media
PITTSBURGH - Former Miami Dolphins offensive and defensive lineman Max Williams remains in critical condition after collapsing Wednesday in an apparent cardiac arrest.
Williams, of Ellwood City, is in Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, where he is undergoing treatment. Bonnie Goatley, a close friend of Williams and his wife, Karen, said he is “holding his own.”
On Friday, Williams, who turned 69 Sunday, was reportedly breathing 90 percent on his own, and doctors were preparing to perform tests to determine the nature of the cardiac arrest that felled him Wednesday morning.
Friends and family can obtain online updates on Williams’ condition and send get-well messages by going to the Caring Bridge Web site.

According to an update late Friday morning on Caring Bridge, Williams had opened his eyes and was acknowledging visitors.
Williams was leaving Apple Rehabilitation Center in Ellport Wednesday after a workout session when he suddenly collapsed. Staff at Apple immediately began caring for the ex-pro football player and initiated CPR, moves that Goatley said saved his life.
“Thank God they had people there and they started doing CPR,” she said. “If they didn’t, he would not be here.”
He was transported by ambulance to Ellwood City Hospital, where emergency room staff stabilized his condition, and taken by helicopter to Mercy Hospital.
Williams, a North Carolina native, attended Southeastern Louisiana University and played in the American Football League and NFL for the Houston Oilers and Miami Dolphins from 1965 to 1970.
Many of his Dolphins teammates were members of the squad that made NFL history in 1972 by becoming the only team to go unbeaten throughout an entire season and win the Super Bowl.
Williams moved to the Ellwood City area after marrying Karen, and was a head football coach at New Brighton High School and an assistant coach at Lincoln High School, as recently as two years ago.
He also was the owner of Maxie-Mum fitness center, now Air Fitness, on Lawrence Avenue.
Goatley said the family is grateful for the outpouring of well-wishes and support for Williams since he was hospitalized.
“We want to thank everybody for their continuous support and prayers,” she said.
Eric Poole can be reached online at epoole@ellwoodcityledger.com.