By Allison Watling, Co-Sports Editor
While playing any sport, there is always a risk for an injury. In football, the most common injury is a ligament sprain. Sprains aren't that serious or career ending, however there are some serious recent cases among popular National Football League (NFL) players.
In November of 2018, while playing quarterback for the Washington Football Team, Alex Smith suffered a huge injury that affected his career for two years. Smith shattered his leg in two locations, with bone piercing the skin in a compound fracture. Not only his career, but his life was at risk. That was two years ago. But now, after 17 surgeries on that leg, he is finally able to get better. Through lots of physical therapy and rehabilitation, Smith worked hard. From learning to walk again, to getting to run and throw a football, all of these steps were accomplishments in the recovery process.
So, on Sunday, October 11, Smith stepped on the field again. The very same field that put him out of the game for all that time. He was ready. The team was told that his return was impossible, but with a guy like Smith, nothing was impossible. Starting quarterback Kyle Allen had just left the game with an injury, so Smith came in relief for Allen. Smith received massive amounts of praise, including some from former US President Barack Obama.
Smith’s wife, Elizabeth Smith, who was by his side during every step of his recovery, was in attendance that day. She was feeling mixed emotions as she saw him on the field unexpectedly. After the play, she and their kids clapped and cheered for Smith.
As one quarterback stepped on the field on Sunday, another unfortunately came off. Dak Prescott, a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, suffered an injury the same day that Smith fully recovered. Prescott was playing during the third quarter of the game when he dislocated and fractured his ankle.
His teammates surrounded the injury cart to give him support as Prescott’s eyes watered. As they took him off the field, the emotions were high for Prescott. That same Sunday night, Prescott had surgery on his ankle and is currently in recovery. The injury was serious, but not career threatening. He is expected to be off the field for 4-6 months. Many players from the NFL including retired players wish him the best recovery. Since signing with the Dallas Cowboys in 2016 as a rookie, Prescott had never missed a game. The season will continue, but after four years, Prescotts’ presence will be missed.
Playing professional football is a risk for many players, but not all injuries can stop them from doing what they love.
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