Football teaches toughness, but life often brings challenges no locker room can prepare you for. This week, a familiar name from the Troy Aikman era, former Cowboys defensive lineman Tony Casillas, reminded fans that the hardest battles happen far away from the field. He shared an emotional update alongside his wife, Tamara, this Saturday on Instagram and made a heartfelt request to the public.

“We’re asking for prayers, positive thoughts, and good energy for our dear friend Howard McKay during this difficult time,” Casillas wrote. “He’s strong, but every prayer matters.

“Please keep him and his loved ones in your thoughts as he focuses on healing and getting better. Thank you all for the love and support.”

McKay has worked with the Casillas for years, and their relationship is rooted in trust and care. Tamara was one of Howard’s long-term clients during her journey as a breast cancer survivor.

It was a difficult time for her as she believed her cancer and the stress from it all affected the way she looked. “I walked out of that office feeling fantastic,” Tamara said seven years ago, talking about Skintastic, the place McKay worked at.

A nurse practitioner with more than 25 years of experience, McKay has trained under some of the leading aesthetic plastic surgeons in the country. He also maintained an aesthetic clinic in both full-time and part-time capacities. His main areas of focus have been aesthetics, wellness, and anti-aging medicine.

He worked with Texas Beauty NP, alongside being involved with Skintastic, and has built strong relationships with many of his clients over the years.

In fact, back in 2009, he was awarded the title of one of Dallas/Fort Worth’s Great 100 Nurses for being a role model, community servant, and significant contributor to the nursing profession. However, his health has deteriorated in recent days. As per his latest Instagram post, he was diagnosed with Budd-Chiari syndrome.

Blood clots have reportedly blocked major veins, causing pressure on his liver and leading to severe complications. Doctors are actively treating him, but his condition is critical. McKay has been in the hospital since mid-December and is currently receiving care at Texas Health Presbyterian Plano.

Howard McKay remains hospitalized as doctors continue treating his critical condition. As his fight with Budd-Chiari syndrome continues, messages of support from former clients, colleagues, and the Cowboys community reflect the reach of a career built on trust and care, now focused on one man’s recovery.

Howard McKay’s work branched beyond aesthetics

While aesthetic treatments have been at the forefront of his practice, he has also been passionate about men’s health. He often speaks about the topic on social media.

In fact, during Father’s Day back in 2024, he even offered his clients 20% off on all services. He also often spoke about holistic health. For instance, how sleep, or the lack of it, had the power to affect one’s health.

Additionally, he is a double-board certified nurse practitioner and was a former Director of Advanced Practice Services at Children’s Health with oversight of over 350 nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

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Howard also established the Trauma Nurse Practitioner role at Children’s Health and was actively involved in its functioning and success in becoming the first pediatric level one trauma center in the state of Texas. While he recovers from his illness, all prayers are with him.