****, sorry for that luck. I’m sure that was a devastating time for you.
My point more than anything though, is that in 1997, torn ACLs were borderline death sentences for careers. That was a REALLY bad injury in 1997. The technology and medical advancements were just getting to the point where you felt you could make a full recovery, but we were honestly not that far removed from a torn ACL legitimately threatening your career. And for sure, 18 months was a nice, safe target. But it’s hard to even put into words how different this injury is in 2022 vs 1997.
The injury now is about a 9 month injury. Yes, everyone is different. Everyone reacts mentally differently to the injury. It’s certainly not a paper cut. But it’s not the end of the world anymore. And if it’s just an ACL, doctors will tell you they can have you good as new in well under a year. You gotta put in the work, but the rehab begins immediately. I’m guessing they didn’t have you jogging in a few weeks after surgery in 1997 like they do now.
Nick Bosa is one that just popped into my head while writing this. Torn ACL in Week 2 of 2020. Started all 17 games in 2021, led the league in TFLs, was 4th in the league with 15.5 sacks. He was quoted before camp even started last July saying he felt he was 100% and even stronger than pre-injury, just shy of 10 months earlier. If Don had surgery in September and it was ACL only, he should be fully ready to go right now. IIRC, he was participating in spring ball 5 months ago, albeit with no contact. If you can put a helmet on and do agility drills in February, you’re ready to rock in August. His time is now. Or it’s never.