ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. had emergency cranial surgery just hours after his appearance on Sportscenter last night. Doctors believe that he will fully recover and should leave the hospital within the week.

Kiper has been a fixture on ESPN for a decade. His draft analysis segments on the network are a fan favorite and he also does a daily radio show. For the last several years, he has fought a private battle against a rare disease that is slowly transforming him. Helmethairalitis is so rare in fact, that Mel Kiper, Jr. is the only known person in the world to currently be afflicted with the disease. Years ago, Las Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton also suffered from a form of the debilitating illness. Fortunately for him, doctors caught it before it was too late..

Often referred to as “Helmet Hair”, the disease is apparently irreversible in Kiper’s specific situation. Researchers claim that his individual hair follicles and strands have mutated. They seem to be infused with a titanium graphite alloy that is impervious to scissors or motorized clippers. His hair has been growing at an alarming rate since the 2000 Draft. Since attempts to halt its growth were unsuccessful, doctors were left with no choice but to take radical action. 

Last night’s surgery was an effort to finally make the transformation complete and speed up the disease’s natural course. Using titanium screws and chicken wire, doctors fused a football face mask to Kiper’s cranium (see photos below). It will take several weeks to heal completely. A second surgery may be necessary down the road to affix a chin strap. As for now, Kiper should be back to work at ESPN in several days and he will be ready for full contact drills by the middle of February.