Over the past five weeks of NFL action, there have been numerous season ending injuries. Achilles, turf toe, hamstring and concussion are all serious injuries that have occurred, but a torn ACL is one of the worst injuries an athlete can get. An ACL injury refers to a tear of one of the key ligaments that stabilizes the knee joint.
Causes:
The easiest way to tear an ACL is by playing contact sports like football and taking contact to the knee, which can lead to torn ligaments and tissues such as the ACL. Linebackers, running backs, and defensive backs are all at higher risk for tearing their ACLs because they are involved in contact nearly every play during a football game.
Recently, NFL athletes have torn ACLs from no contact. Whether it is landing awkwardly, jumping, cutting, or pivoting, athletes can tear their ACLs contactless just as bad as a contact injury. Notable athletes including Malik Nabors who plays for the New York Giants and Antonio Gibson who plays for the New England Patriots have both torn their ACLs from a non contact play, leaving both teams with massive holes. Junior at Hingham High School, Jack Griffiths, says that “Nabers’ injury was a devastating loss for the Giants as he was their best wide receiver. Hopefully he will make a full recovery for next year.” Fans are devastated with these star athletes being out for the rest of the season.
Symptoms:
The victim will have severe pain in the knee and be unable to do simple tasks. Swelling will appear on and around the knee within hours of the injury. The person will have a loss of motion and they will probably not be able to move their leg.
Notable NFL Athletes with torn ACL in 2025:
- Malik Nabers (Giants
- Nick Bosa (49ers)
- Tyreek Hill (Dolphins)
- Antonio Gibson (Patriots)
- Levi Onwuzurike (Lions)
Treatment and Recovery:
In most cases, athletes return to their sport within 8-12 months after ACL surgery. ACL reconstructive surgery is recommended to individuals who want a full recovery. Junior at Hingham High School, Chase Burns talks about his road to recovery after a knee injury, “I first got surgery, then I went to physical therapy for a few months to regain strength and mobility, and I gradually did more and more activities to fully recover.” Athletes use physical therapy after surgery to regain their knee strength. To prevent ACL injuries or any knee injuries, it is important to strengthen the legs and core. There are training programs that include strength training exercises that prioritize proper technique for moving, cutting, and landing. Balance training, strengthening hips and thighs, and avoiding fatigue can all help reduce the risk for ACL injuries.
