He continued to score with regularity at Newcastle United and finished his career as the Premier Leagues all-time leading goalscorer with 260 goals, which is still a record. Eagles fans were understandably distraught, then, when Maclin suffered a non-contact ACL injury during summer training camp. In September 1997, as Manchester United faced bitter rivals Leeds United, captain Roy Keane clashed with Norwegian defender Alf-Inge Haaland throughout. Two Common Causes of ACL Injuries in Football: A player is hit in . Manning earned his sixth and seventh first-team All-Pro honors in Denver; no other post-merger QB has more than three. Youngblood did not miss a game in his first 13 NFL seasons. Through Week 11, he was Pro Football Focus' top-ranked cornerback. However, some hope could be offered to the Dutchman . The Road to Recovery: Getting Back in the Game. To power workouts and games, and to ensure a strong recovery, elite athletes take care to eat properly and to hydrate before, during and after workouts and competitions. He has 8.5 sacks over that span (35 percent) compared to 53.4 in his previous 116 games (46.1). It took Bridgewater until Week 17 of the 2017 season to play again, and he did not become a full-time starter again until Week 1 of this season -- after signing with the Panthers. "Point guard Zakai Zeigler suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Tuesday night's win over Arkansas," the University of Tennessee announced. In addition to STACKs wrestling workouts, we also provide plenty of nutrition advice to help wrestlers make and maintain weight throughout their training. "The Tennessee basketball family joins all of Vol Nation in lifting up Zakai with love and support," UT said in a school release. He was expected to be out for a full year and there were fears that that was his career over, but he actually returned after seven months. In December of 2014, he signed a 5-year, $42.5 million contract extension with Denver. Build your football workout today! When Carson Palmer tore his left ACL for the second time in 8 years during the 2014 NFL season, many fans couldnt help but wonder if it was the end of the road for him. ven the best professional athletes are only as strong as their weakest link. Aune's backstory is an interesting one. Much like the bump in performance frequently seen after Tommy John surgery, the researchers speculated that the rehab program might have benefited the non-surgical leg, resulting in improved strength and performance. Italian forward Alessandro Del Piero spent a year on the sidelines after injuring his ACL in 1998. Treatment efforts in Europe preceded surgery No. I kind of re-taught myself how to run, how to fix my mechanics and the fundamentals of running. Key before/after facts: Atkins has managed one sack in 10 games since returning this season, a sack rate of 0.15 per game. Key before/after facts: Harris hasn't missed a start and has two interceptions in 10 games, one shy of his career high for a season. He totaled 6,566 scrimmage yards from 2001-03 and broke the NFL touchdown record with 27 in '03. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and 2013 and won first-team All-Pro honors last season. The medical marvel only missed three games due to injury over the next six seasons. For an unfortunate few, that weak link is the ACL, the anterior cruciate ligament. Since then, he has started 31 of a possible 35 games. Williams suffered torn patellar tendons in bothknees -- in 2007 and '08, respectively -- and missed 22 games. Arguably the best comeback in NFL history for sheer results, Manning underwent four neck surgeries in an attempt to eliminate years-long pain and growing weakness. Zlatan Ibrahimovic ACL injury: On thursday 20 April, Ibrahimovic sustained serious ligament damage in a Europa League quarter-final against . After nine months out, he got his move a year later. I wish Ziegler a full recovery. The No.9 snapped his ACL during his debut season with Blackburn Rovers, bringing a premature end to a season in which he had scored 16 goals in 21 league games. Honorable mention: NaVorro Bowman, 49ers; Chad Greenway, Vikings. He played 129 games with a .276 average in 2022 and was projected to have a solid 2.8 WAR in 2023. I feel faster, Maclin told Philly.com prior to the 2014 season. Hes so meticulous. Well, the rehab was right up his alley. Thats very normal, Samuel said. He earned All-Pro acclaim in his injury-shortened 1968 slate and in '69. Van Nistelrooy rewarded Ferguson for showing faith in him by scoring 150 goals in 219 games. Click here for the All-ACL defensive team. Hopefully, we'll see him patrolling the Chelsea back line for years to come. Return date: Week 1, 2014. Late injuries strike again. Maybe if this injury had occurred in the present day, Gazza would've been able to bounce back more effectively. ESPN's All-ACL team identifies a roster of top players that survived them, Kevin Seifert writes. Zakai Zeigler suffered a season-ending ACL tear in his left knee Tuesday in Tennessee basketball's win against Arkansas, UT announced Wednesday. Football player. Hewett points to the high rate of ACL injury among NBA point guards 15 since the lockout, by his calculations to support the theory that for ACL injuries, not all positions and sports are equal. English superstar and beloved national player Gascoigne, (affectionately known as "Gazza") was to blame for his own ACL injury after attempting a doom tackle on a Nottingham Forest player during the 1991 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in London, England. In my 20 years, Ive never seen someone work so hard. Bowman even came back from a torn Achilles, finishing his career as a Raider starter in 2017. The iconic forward ended up playing into his 40s, eventually retiring in 2015 following spells in Australia and India. Play Home; Football. Youll find the basketball workouts and drills youre looking for to take your game to the next level. Rasheed Woods is the very definition of a student athlete - hardworking, dedicated and determined to succeed. #ZLATAN pic.twitter.com/sf4SYLKC9m. In the NFL, without guaranteed contracts, players are pressured into returning to the field, often before fully ready. Krumrie had gone from 10th-round 1983 draftee to Bengals starter in less than two years, and he operated accordingly after his Super Bowl ended early. However, complications from the surgery led to a two-season hiatus due to avascular necrosis -- a circulatory condition that affected blood flow to Hearst's ankle. No one got to choose between a cadaver's ligament or an internal replacement. Navigation: ACL stories; ACL story - Alexandria Parisian; . He helped the Colts to an NFL title in 1968 and a Super Bowl championship three years later. Injury date: Preseason, 2013 Return date: Week 1, 2014. Its since been confirmed that the 29-year-old has damaged his anterior cruciate ligament, with the Mirror describing it as a grade three tear. Im going to rehab and get stronger and be better than I was before, Maclin told PhiladelphiaEagles.com. There's nothing fortunate about tearing the ACL, but the fact was made worse for Gascoigne when you take into consideration that he was just about to complete a move to Italian Giants Lazio from Tottenham. After just five months out, he returned swiftly to help Barcelona lift the La Liga title and also travelled to Germany with Spain that summer. Its a bitter blow for Liverpool and Van Dijk, but medical advancements mean that ACL injuries can be treated in ways that allow players to return to a high level. He's averaging 12.7 yards per catch, compared to 13.5 before the injury, and is still getting downfield. But with Washington in 2001, Carter rushed for 308 yards (4.9 per carry) in 14 games. He's averaging slightly fewer yards after the catch (5.64, compared to 5.90), but is averaging more yards after contact (3.19) than he was prior (2.40). Suffering a season-ending elbow injury in the 1991 preseason, Montana needed to have his elbow tendon reattached and a joint issue forced a third surgery in '92. We are down 2 starters too now that Dexter Dennis is injured. "All Day" did not miss a game, totaling 388 touches and carrying a Christian Ponder-quarterbacked team to the playoffs. Not being out on the field with his teammates left Kelce feeling helpless, but he brought the right mindset to his rehab. Ruud is another great example of an athlete returning from the dreaded ACL injury to do great things. Once youve built up your conditioning, check out some of our advanced volleyball drills and mental techniques. The experience helped Ross learn that hed have to become a total receiver if he wanted to reach his full potential. Bleier's journey dwarfs most of this list's injuries. Return date: Week 1, 2013. A few years ago, Brittany Mosier was a star soccer player in her sophomore year of high school. "Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion." -Michael Jordan. Key before/after facts: Mathieu has played in nine games, starting three, since his return. Radamel Falcao. SECRant.com is an independent website and is not affiliated with the Southeastern Conference. According to PFF, opposing quarterbacks have a league-low 41.7 passer rating on passes thrown into his coverage. Palmer said he cried like a baby after the non-contact injury, but once he got over the initial shock, he locked in on what he needed to do to come back stronger than ever. Our loaned player Kurt Zouma is called for France International squad , Congratulations Kurt #CFC pic.twitter.com/lBfTgbWRXX. With all the stopping, starting, quick movements, and tackling, legs and knees are bound to end up in positions that they don't belong in. Knee injuries of this sort ruined careers for decades, but Sayers rehabbed and won the rushing title -- his second in three seasons -- despite not possessing the elite gifts he did pre-injury. Return date: Week 1, 2012. Holmes made a surprising return in Oct. 2007 and started two games. Happily, the answer to the above question is most likely a yes but with qualifications. Another striker who had injury woes was Alan Shearer. With that in mind, we present the All-ACL team for defensive players and specialists below. While Lux is not yet at the level of those players, he was still a breakout candidate this season. You have to be ready to attack every day, Palmer told STACK. Despite facing a future where walking proved difficult, Hearst recovered by 2001 and, at 30, earned Comeback Player of the Year acclaim and led the 49ers to the playoffs. Fortunately for Arsenal and Walcott himself, Theo made a full recovery and continues to torment opposing defenses, flying in from the wing to lead the Arsenal offensive charge. Dont be impatient, dont try too much too soon. The young Englishman was forced to miss the 2014 World Cup in Brazil due to torn ligaments to his ACL. Update: Happy to report that Zouma has undergone a full recovery and is currently on loan to Stoke City. Knowing these stats, it will be interesting to observe Adam Eatons return to the Nationals next year. Become a better soccer player through the conditioning workouts, speed training and foot drills on STACK.com. Copyright @2023 SECRant.com. Honorable mention: Frank Gore, 49ers; Adrian Peterson, Vikings. In addition to off-season lacrosse workouts, youll find plenty of on-the-field drill for all lacrosse positions. The differences are related to the physical requirements of not only each sport, but position on the field or court as well, says Kyle Aune, author of ACL return-to-play research in the NFL and MLB. Most often what dictates recovery is not will or resolve, but the interior of the knee and function of the surrounding muscles. Click here for the All-ACL defensive team. Injury date: Week 5, 2012. In my experience, the guys who do very well [post ACL reconstruction] are emotionally invested in the process. When you tear your ACL, you kind of have to reteach the whole leg how to work, Harris said. The anterior cruciate ligament is one of four main ligaments that stabilize the knee joint, and ACL injuries can range in severity from a second half spent on the sidelines to an entire season off the field. Key before/after facts: Berry has four interceptions in 36 games since the injury after recording four in 17 games before it. And in what should perhaps have warranted a psychiatric evaluation, Youngblood -- who notched a career-high 18 sacks in 1979 -- participated in the Pro Bowl. Maclin went on to have a spectacular 2014, recording new career highs in receptions (85) and receiving yards (1,318). A former No. The Bengals defensive tackle suffered one of the NFL's most widely viewed injuries, breaking his leg in two places during Super Bowl XXIII in January 1989. Van Nistelrooy went on to score 150 goals in 219 games for Manchester United, winning the Premier League, League Cup and FA Cup with the club, as well as going on to win La Liga twice with Real Madrid. Donk (Dutch International football player, 1x ACL) And many, many more.. 4 muhkurt 4 yr. ago GSP had it done. But he returned as a wideout in 1962 and played three more seasons, making the 1963 Pro Bowl and helping the Giants to two NFL title games. Totti played his entire career for Roma, and his incredible tenure earned him recognition as one of the greatest Captains to play the game. "The injury ends the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist's season. Even the best professional athletes are only as strong as their weakest link. Soon afterwards, in training, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament. But a devastating injury days before he was due to be unveiled scuppered the move, with Van Nistelrooy out of action for a year. While most do return, future performance is still hazy. Learn best practices from athletes who have achieved success and the experts who have helped them. Sam Robinson is a Kansas City, Mo.-based writer who mostly writes about the NFL. Luck's timetable continued to be pushed back, and he missed all of 2017. Virgil van Dijk: 9 world-class players who suffered ACL injuries, including Ibrahimovic, Xavi and Keane, Ranking the 12 worst tackles in Premier League history, Aymeric Laporte sends classy tweet to Van Dijk, Champions League 2022/23: Last 16 results, fixtures and more, Man Utd vs Barcelona: Head to Head Record. Drafted for the Vietnam War late in his 1968 rookie season, the Steelers running back suffered life-threatening injuries to both legs. Injury date: Week 1, 2013 Return date: Week 1, 2014. He had totaled at least 11 sacks in each of the final three seasons before the injury. But during the Broncos 2014 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the San Diego Chargers, his rise was abruptly cut short by a torn ACL. In some situations, athletes gain an edge with prescribed use of safe supplements. This website uses cookies and third party services. Return date: Week 1, 2014. Injury date: Bowl game, January 2006 (college) Super Bowl V, however, was Smith's final game with Baltimore. Liverpools task of defending their Premier League title became significantly more difficult on Saturday when Virgil van Dijk suffered a serious injury against Everton. 3 overall Cardinals pick, Hearst peaked with a dominant 1998 season as a 49er. Luck's shoulder rehab turned into a career-threatening ordeal and played a role in the Colts QB walking away in 2019. When he was cleared to participate in spring ball practice, he continued to put in extra work either after practice or on off days. PFF rates him the best guard in the NFL this season. You just have to know that is what the situation is going to be, and get through it., The injury also gave Palmer a chance to strengthen his hipssomething hed never really focused on before. For an unfortunate few, that weak link is the ACL, the anterior cruciate ligament. Smith's Nov. 2018 broken leg -- 23 years to the day that Joe Theismann suffered a career-ending broken leg no one wants to watch twice -- began a life-threatening sequence that included infections and ultimately 17 surgeries. | On his fourth team at age 28, Bridgewater bounced back to score a three-year, $63 million deal. 11. Enemy fire resulted in Bleier taking a bullet in the left leg, and a grenade explosion the same day sent shrapnel into his right leg. Honorable mention: Heath Miller, Steelers. [I worked] on having fast feet, good strides, driveanything I could to get faster., RELATED: Why Chris Harris Jr. Says Suffering a Torn ACL Made Him Better. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? Damn. Also see: All-ACL team: Defense/specialists, All-ACL team: Veterans of knee reconstruction, Jones: Not fixated on Cowboys' drought, just '23, Sources: Raiders plan franchise tag for Jacobs, WR Addison to Steelers' Pickett: 'Come get me', Wolverines' Turner wows with 4.26 40 at combine, Top QB prospect Levis eager to unleash 'cannon', QB Bennett addresses off-field issues at combine, Campbell: Lamar wants deal done with Ravens, Alabama QB Young undeterred by size questions, The most memorable pre-NFL draft workouts ever: Coaches, scouts, execs make their picks, 2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Raiders tag Josh Jacobs, the NFL's rushing leader, Browns' offense: Grading positions ahead of free agency, 2023 draft, Jaguars won't spend big, but here are five players they could target in free agency. His tally of 260 goals makes him the top scorer in Premier League history. At the time of surgery, those athletes ranged in age from 11 to 53 years, and included high school and college players as well as recreational athletes. I know if I have a patient for the next 6 to 9 months, Im gonna be able to rebuild an absolute machine, Samuel said. He finished his career as a Saints backup from 2003-04. UT has had some awful injury luck this year. Not too long ago, there was only one relevant question for a football player with a torn ACL: Where's the retirement party? Check out STACKs workouts and drills tailored specifically for hockey players. The average air yards of passes thrown his way is 10.1 compared to 11.5. There were no elite rehabilitation centers. He was diligent and meticulous in his rehab, never missing a single treatment. "We know - beyond all doubt - that Zakai will use this challenge to . While he hadnt yet garnered any big accolades, he was slowly gaining respect as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. Here's a list of some famous soccer players who've battled the dreaded ACL Tear. Training refers to the workouts, exercises and drills they perform outside of organized practices to improve their Strength, Speed, Conditioning and Flexibility, as well to rehab and prevent injury. The next season, he bettered that, with 34 goals to help Blackburn win the Premier League. No one, even the best athletes in the world, can beat physiology. Towards the end of the game, Keane tried to trip his opponent, but his studs caught in the turf and he ended up tearing his cruciate ligament. He was so emotionally invested in the processnot just the outcome, the process. Prayers for a full recovery. A freak knee injury in the 1972 preseason occurred when he ran into a first-down marker -- formerly anchored by sharp metal points, a setup Smith's setback helped change -- and led to the Colts trading the D-lineman to the Raiders. Tearing an ACL can feel like a football players worst nightmare. According to Samuel, Harriss approach of fixing long-existing flaws during rehab is the best way to take advantage of the process. Key before/after facts: Since returning, Gronkowski has a higher touchdown rate (0.9 per game, compared to 0.84 before). Manager Dave Roberts told reporters Tuesday morning that Gavin Lux suffered a torn ACL and will miss the 2023 season. A new home for Michael Thomas? The salsa-dancing Giants slot receiver broke out with a monster 2011 season (1,536 yards, nine TDs) and helped Big Blue to its fourth Super Bowl title; he earned a five-year, $43M extension in 2013. Here are nine such world-class players who came back better than ever after suffering the dreaded ACL injury, much to the delight of football fans across the globe. Shearer bounced back in style though, scoring 31 goals in 40 games the following season and winning the Football Writers Player of the Year award. After beating a ruptured disk recovery timetable by returning in two months in 1986, Montana played just one game from 1991-92. Since the start of the 2008 season, he has missed just four games. Ignore that, and the only reward for a quick recovery might be a short career. To contact Team Sterett or for specific questions about your situation, please email us: sterettteam@vsortho.com. There were a lot of injuries this year. A trade to Kansas City resulted in Montana proving he was not quite done. Haaland later accused Keane of feigning his reaction, which didnt go down well with the Irishman. Return date: Week 1, 2014. That had better be your mindset, otherwise its going to be a very difficult rehab, Kelce told PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Key before/after facts: Nugent has been a more accurate kicker (82.1 percent conversion rate) after the injury than before (79.0), keeping pace with the overall recent uptick of NFL kicking. Of the players that returned, return occurred at an average of 12.2 months after surgery. Updated January 12, 2023 Stephen Tulloch's season is over after a sack-celebration injury. A new home for Michael Thomas? Cruz took a backseat to Odell Beckham Jr. by the time he returned in 2016 -- his final season -- but still caught 39 passes for 586 yards in 15 games for a playoff-bound squad. Even if Smith does not play again, he still may win Comeback Player of the Year honors. Bowman missed the 2014 season but returned to deliver one of the best single-season comebacks in NFL history a year later, leading the NFL with 116 solo tackles and earning his fourth All-Pro honor. Here are major examples of some of the best NFL players who have torn their ACL - and returned to perform at ProBowl levels. Its here where the miraculous recovery from ACL surgery of athletes like Adrian Peterson perhaps unfairly raises the bar for other athletes. While Liverpool havent put a time-frame on his return to action, the average length of time it takes to recover from such an injury can be from six to 12 months. All rights reserved. Rivers did not miss a start in 14 years as the Bolts' QB1. A torn ACL is often the end of the line for pro athletes in any sport. But for such an important structure, the ACL isnt much. Having a full year to dedicate in the weight room to my upper body was beneficial, Kelce said. Only Paris Saint-Germain player to be top goalscorer in three Ligue 1 seasons (2012-13, 2013-14, 2015-16) Most . Injury date: Week 14, 2013. The decades-long broadcaster is in the Hall of Fame for his 1950s contributions as a Giants halfback, but Gifford also authored a signature NFL comeback. Pro Football Focus has credited him with 22 hurries, tied for second in the NFL among defensive tackles. But a torn ACL isnt the end of the worldin fact, a number of players have been able to come back and have career-best seasons immediately following their ACL reconstruction. This is more of a lifetime achievement award, because the still-active linebacker has surmounted not just three ACL tears but decided to play through a broken arm in order to suit up for a Super Bowl. One of the bright spots of Chelsea's dismal defense of the 2105-2016 Premier title was fullback Kurt Zouma. Most soccer players are able to return to the field after surgery to repair torn knee ligaments, a new study suggests. Since then, he's played in 41 of a possible 43 games, racking up 306 tackles in the process. Acknowledging that monetary and contractual factors play a role in how long athletes spend recovering from an ACL injury, Hewett supports the notion that some sports are harder than others to return. Luck played through shoulder pain during the 2016 season, and January labrum surgery not producing a desired result began an 18-plus-month recovery process. It turns out, Ross told The MMQB,[tearing my ACL was] the best thing that ever happened to me.. He played six more seasons, all with the Bengals, and ended a 12-year career without a single injury absence. Key before/after facts: Avery is averaging fewer receptions per game after the injury (2.7, compared to 3.2) and less yards after the catch (3.7, compared to 4.2) but is producing slightly more per reception (13.4 yards, compared to 12.6). Basketball is a fast-paced sport that requires explosive strength, top speed, agility and fine-tuned on-court skills. Boxing, the Royals and Pandora stations featuring female rock protagonists are some of his go-tos. Then there's Thomas Davis. Read about our approach to external linking. ACL Injuries Greatly Impact a Player's Future Success. Adam Eaton of the Nationals, Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Manchester United, Zach LaVine of the Timberwolves and Devin Smith of the Jets have all torn their ACLs in recent months, putting their careers in a state of limbo. Samuel said, Carson never fired his hips in the way he did during his rehab. All rights reserved. Perhaps most impressive was the fact Maclin played 1,031 total snaps that season, the third-most of any NFL wide receiver. 181 West Meadow DriveSuite2700Vail,CO81657, 1140EdwardsVillage Blvd SuiteB-105Edwards,CO81632. He is averaging 16.1 yards per catch and 0.9 touchdowns per game since the injury (13.38 and 0.4 before, respectively). You want to get back to a guy who does have the hip strength, who does have the core stability, who has all the things they didnt have when this thing failed., After a long rehab, Maclin returned feeling better than ever. 12% of players underwent a second ACL surgery. According to Samuel, Rosss decision not to rush back was wise. dude busts his arse day in and day out. This included suffering a broken forearm in the Panthers' NFC title game win over the Cardinals. You build that leg back stronger.. The Liverpool centre-back was on the receiving end of a reckless challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the early stages of the Merseyside derby. Return date: Week 1, 2006 (college). He returned to the Pro Bowl and piloted the Chiefs to two comeback playoff wins in his two seasons in Missouri. My mindset was that the rehab would replace my football season. Return date: Week 2, 2014. Who you were didnt work, or you wouldnt be in my office with a non-contact ACL injury. Because they require high-speed changes of direction, the pro sports that carry the highest risk of ACL tears soccer, football and basketball are also the ones in which its most difficult to make a complete recovery. ACL Study Findings For the study, Brophy and his colleagues interviewed 100 soccer players who had undergone surgery to repair a torn ACL in 2002 or 2003. To help us understand why these players recovered so well, we enlisted the help of physical therapist Derek Samuel, MPT. Here are 25 key examples of players who battled back from career-defining injuries to continue playing. While Kelce was blocking on a run play. In his first game with the LA Galaxy, he provided us with this absolute stunner of a debut. The Swedish forward had impressed before the setback, scoring 28 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils, and his swift recovery helped him earn a one-year contract extension at the club. With content ranging from Abby Wambachs workout to the latest gear reviews to Real Salt Lakes speed training, theres something here for soccer players of all levels. The injury forced Falcao to miss the World Cup and he struggled during loan spells in England with Man United and Chelsea. Soccer players often recover fully from ACL surgery. However, some hope could be offered to the Dutchman by the examples of these players who all returned from long absences with similar injuries. Knee control exercises to warm up was used . Only in recent years has the paradigm changed. After tearing his ACL at the end of the 07-08 season, the Italian striker came back to continue his run as the go-to guy for I Luppi. At STACK, youll not only get football-specific conditioning workouts, youll also find strength and power workouts from pros. Always free! Lewis Hamilton lookalike, apparently. 15% of the male and 21% of the female ACL injuries occurred in teams with a coach change during the season. After all, Palmer was 34 years old. We present the All-ACL offensive team below. Generally, those who successfully returned were above-average NFL players before their injury but relatively average after their return. Well-rounded programs also include Sports Psychology training. 12 in 2012 and No. Key before/after facts: McDonald has played an eight-season NFL career (and counting). Emailed daily. In the NFL, like other sports, a lasting return to play is also influenced by the players pre-injury position 20% of running backs and wide receivers never return to the NFL and for those that do return, performance drops by a third. 1. He scored 11 goals in 20 appearances for AC Milan last season and is currently Serie A's top scorer this term. re: UT's Zakai Zeigler has torn ACL, done for the season. Doctors at Northwestern University analyzed orthopedic injuries suffered by 559 NFL athletes, and found the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear to be one of the most career-damaging. Could he really come back and be an effective quarterback? Fortunately for Zouma, he made a full recovery from the injury and recently returned. His untimely injury delayed his transfer to Italy, and some fans and pundits agree he was never the same after the unfortunate injury. No longer. It is hard to overstate how productive Holmes was with the Chiefs in the early 2000s.