ENGLEWOOD (Colo.) — This is the first time that he has suffered from hip and knee injuries since he was injured in the Denver BroncosWeek 3 victory over the New York Jets Wide receivers were a big hit last season KJ Hamler Practiced Monday with his teammates.
His short run from the locker room onto the practice field to start his day was an important step in his emotional and physical recovery from the “lowest point” of his life. This recovery has not only included repairing his body but also the discovery that he could seek treatment for his personal issues that came up in his life before football was a part.
Hamler explained, “At some point… The devil was on me for a while.” “I wish that I wouldn’t have done it alone, I wish that I had asked for help. … There was a point when I didn’t want to exist here. “There was one point when I decided that I didn’t want this earth anymore.”
Hamler, who was a second round pick by the Broncos for 2020, was officially activated off the physically unfit to perform (PUP). Hamler last played in Week 3. He was playing in Week 2 of last season’s 26-0 win over Jets. Teddy Bridgewater He fell awkwardly on his right leg.
Doctors determined that Hamler had suffered a severe hip injury and had torn his left ACL. Both Hamler and his partner needed surgery. Hamler was soon on the road to a long, difficult recovery.
His team tried to keep him interested throughout the process, but two months after his hip surgery his grandmother Ethel Gooding, whom he described as his “best friend” & “my mother”, died at 83.
Hamler stated that he didn’t tell anyone at first how his injuries, his separation from his team during recovery, and the loss of his grandmother had affected him. The part that helped Hamler “climb out of that hole” was realizing that he had to start asking for help.
Hamler stated that “we just so used to bottling up stuff, taking it to heart.” “I’m learning each day, every day, and it is great to be back on the field. I did check into therapy, spoke with my guys more, and also talked to my mom and my dad. Therapy can be ups and down. Some days you hear the things you want to hear. Other days, it’s not what you want. But, I did check into therapy, talked to my guys more, and spoke to my mom, my dad.
Hamler stated that he will “be vulnerable” even after his football practice returns to pre-injury levels. On the field, he stated that he is not sure if he will be allowed to play in any of three Broncos preseason games. However, he is confident that he will be available to play Week 1 against The Broncos. Seattle Seahawks.
Hamler’s return to the practice fields Monday was described by Nathaniel Hackett as “it seemed like the right moment.” “… Each step makes you appreciate him more. He is definitely my cheerleader.
Hamler stated, “I know everyone around me is proud of my, but I’m proud myself,” “… There are many people who are in my position or have been through similar situations. You keep things in your head, and it builds up until it explodes. I don’t fear any more to admit that I went through this stuff. Football saved my life. I’m grateful.