5 NFL Gamers Who Aced Their Returns After ACL Accidents
Zach Charbonnet’s marketing campaign to achieve Tremendous Bowl LX floor to a screeching halt on Jan. 17, when the Seattle Seahawks operating again suffered an ACL tear that has compelled him on to the injured listing. Nonetheless, together with his staff hoping to get previous the New England Patriot’s on February 8, Charbonnet might make a triumphant return sooner somewhat than later, as we spotlight 5 inspirational examples of elite NFL gamers which have accomplished the identical journey.
Tearing an Anterior Cruciate Ligament happens when the tissue connecting the thigh bone (or femur) to the shin bone (or tibia) is ruptured, making the act of operating, chopping, twisting, and leaping a significantly painful endeavour that may result in severe ache and wreak devastation with an athlete’s mobility. Usually requiring surgical procedure, ACL tears require an in depth rehab course of that entails progressively strengthening the stabilizing muscle tissues, such because the quads, hamstrings, and glutes. However, if rehabbed accurately, athletes will be hopeful of return to motion in round a 12 months, relying on the severity of the issue. So, with that in thoughts, listed below are 5 NFL gamers which have felt this low level of their careers however have gone on to ace their comebacks.
Joe Burrow
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, Joe Burrow was a No. 1 total decide in 2020 when he tore an ACL and MCL. After round 9 months of rehab, he returned for the 2021 season, main the Bengals to Tremendous Bowl LVI (the place they’d finally lose to the Rams).
Following his damage, Burrow continues to impress and was awarded the “Comeback Participant of the Yr” gong in 2023. Extra not too long ago, he was chosen for the 2026 Professional Bowl, in what shall be his third Professional Bowl look. The quarterback is presently ranked high 5 in key passing stats. Now that’s what you name a comeback.
Saquon Barkley
Barkley described his 2020 ACL tear as “most likely the weakest second of my life,” admitting that the setback resulted in plenty of crying and frustration. The then-New York Giants operating again required surgical procedure after a non-contact damage that occurred throughout his chopping and operating on area, and because it was a multi-ligament damage, he required round a 12 months in rehab,
Fortuitously, Barkley returned to motion in 2021, and by 2022 had bounced again higher, making greater than 1,300 yards from scrimmage and ten touchdowns in 16 video games. Now with the Philadelphia Engles, the operating again was ranked the primary NFL participant in 2025.
Von Miller
Von Miller has torn his ACL twice throughout a extremely bodily profession. The primary (proper knee) got here in 2013 whereas enjoying with the Denver Broncos, forcing him to overlook Tremendous Bowl XLVIII (the place
they misplaced to the Seattle Seahawks) and the second (his left this time) was found throughout exploratory surgical procedure in 2022.
Whereas each of these accidents required round 10 months rehab, Miller is lastly discovering his toes once more after a difficult season with the Buffalo Payments, and consultants consider that the 36-year-old can nonetheless be an efficient situational move rusher for a while to come back.
Tom Brady
In 2008, Brady’s try and keep away from a deal with from Chiefs linebacker Bernard Pollard resulted within the soccer icon’s knee being bent out of recognition when Pollard’s helmet hit the star’s left knee. The Patriot suffered a torn ACL and {a partially} torn MCL (Medical Collateral Ligament) because of this, lower than eight minutes into the sport.
Brady’s restoration time was roughly 10 months, and he made a return to coaching camp for the beginning of the 2009 season. As anticipated, the damage did not mess with Brady’s profitable contact, and he earned MVP Awards in 2010, 2017, and 2021… To not point out a whopping 4 extra Tremendous Bowls.
Cooper Kupp
In 2018, Kupp was enjoying for the Los Angeles Rams as a large receiver in opposition to the Denver Bronco’s when he was carried off the sphere with a knee damage. He solely missed two video games earlier than a non-contact damage in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks compelled him to the bottom as soon as once more. An MRI later revealed that Kupp had torn his ACL, forcing him to overlook out on an look at Tremendous Bowl LIII, the place they misplaced 13-3 in opposition to the Patriots.
Extremely, Kupp returned to the Rams for the next season after a profitable sting in rehab and will now come full circle on Sunday. With Kupp now enjoying for the Seahawks, he’s hoping to crush the Patriots at Tremendous Bowl LX. We’re certain Zach Charbonnet shall be watching, intently!
Tremendous Bowl LX takes place on February 8, 2026. For extra info click on right here!
