Football is a contact sport. Hard hits, twisted limbs, and helmet-to-helmet contact are just a few of the threats players in the NFL can face. In a world where athletic performance is literally a job, injuries can be detrimental to a career.
Broken fingers and sprained ankles can hinder a few weeks of performance, but an athlete typically recovers quickly from minor injuries. It's the severe injuries like torn ACLs, broken bones, and concussions that can cause major issues for a rising star.
Many young people these days grow up watching sports. Being the most popular in this country, professional football is a hot topic in sports news. Whether due to a family passion or a big city's pride, NFL teams and stellar players have been held in admiration by those who grew up idolizing them.
Wowing the fans and performing well are the essentials of some of the best athletes this country has ever seen. Staying healthy on the field is the most important way to ensure success. But, sometimes injury can end a career.
Take Dallas Cowboys former wide receiver Michael Irvin in the late 90s. Irvin helped the Cowboys claim three Super Bowl titles and made 65 touchdowns in his career. Sadly, a cervical spinal cord injury ended the NFL star's career and forced him into an early retirement.
Neck, head, and spinal injuries can often be too serious to risk physical performance. Some players suffer from less serious ailments and after a period of recovery and a tremendous amount of dedication, can make it back on the field and rise above injury.
For example, New England Patriot Robert "Gronk" Gronkowski underwent critical back surgery in 2009 while at college in Arizona. The explosive tight end was often the target for incredible hits. Gronk pushed through, made it to the NFL, but was still a subject for injury. In 2012, he broke his arm in a victory against the Indianapolis Colts and in 2013, suffered a torn ACL that ended his season. However, he was able to make the ultimate recovery and in 2015, he returned to his college state of Arizona to play a major role in earning the 2015 SuperBowl champion title for the Patriots.
Then there's Drew Brees. In his last game of the 2005 season, the San Diego Charger's quarterback suffered a devastating shoulder injury. Brees fumbled on his own goal line, dove for the ball but ended up at the bottom of a dog pile of several opponents. His arm injuries included a torn labrum and a partially torn rotator cuff, leaving the rising star's most valuable asset unusable. However, he persevered and recovered spectacularly, going on to lead the New Orleans Saints to a SuperBowl championship in 2010, earn the title of MVP, and tie a SuperBowl record for pass completion.
And what about recent news—many celebrated the Fourth of July with fireworks, but two NFL players lost fingers in the holiday celebration. Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback C.J. Wilson reportedly lost two of his fingers while setting off explosives and New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul had a finger amputated due to severe injury.
How will these players recover? Only time will tell as the 2015-2016 season is fast approaching. Fans of any team hope their players can triumph after injury and dominate a winning season.
Whether big or small, everybody loves a success story.
