📡 How Alabama medical team and a fan saved a star player's leg

[Matt Zenitz | mzenitz@al.com]

"I don't think people realize how serious of an injury that really was because no one's ever really talked about it. It was a scary situation for him, his mom and everyone concerned."

How Alabama medical team and a fan saved a star player's leg

 

[TUSKtimes]

Damn, that's scary for AJ. Who knew? I had that same sickening feeling about Kenyan Drake and the nasty injury against Ole Miss. I was thankful to see him bounce back because it reminded me so much of the Prothro injury. And doesn't get mentioned much but the injury to CJ Mosely against LSU in the NC game truly scared me in real time. Anything involving the hip joint gives me Bo Jackson flashbacks.

 

[UAgrad93]

I have a close friend that lives in Dadeville and he said that it was really a scary situation for them all. Close knit group down there.

 

[T&B]

I'm a medic in a ski town, and I recall telling everyone when I saw the injury that it was more serious than your usual knee injury. Living in an area that piles up the knee injuries I've seen my fair share of them up close and personal, but Jennings injury scared me the moment I saw the replay. There is simply no way to bend a knee like that without repercussions.

Checking the health of the distal pulse below that injury would be one of the first things I would personally do at the scene, (we are literally trained to check it) and closely monitor for the next few days. Not sure how they needed a "fan" to send in an image of the injury before guessing their could be an issue with the circulation around the injury. Anyhow... glad they got it right before Jennings had any complications.

I'm amazed by his recovery. He's been practicing without a brace, and moving really well. First I've heard that Kiper has him as a first round pick this year. Is that accurate ? Good for Anfernee.

 

[50+yeartidefan]

Wonder ifthey found fan and got him/ her some nice tickets....or autographs

 

[sean]

there's one part in all of that story that stood out to me the most...

"It's definitely been a long process and it's been a challenge," Jennings said. "But sometimes we need a challenge, and it challenged me to push even harder and to just be the best version of myself I can be. I can't thank God enough for giving me a chance to continue to play football and just look forward to a great, healthy season."

now..i've heard Coach Saban say that on numerous occasions when talking to either the press when he talks about some of the things he says to the players, or when he's talking directly to the players. he talks a lot about "being the best version of yourself that you can be".

you can't tell me that his messages don't sink in to these guys and that they don't listen to him at some of the most important times.

 

[TerryP]

now..i've heard Coach Saban say that on numerous occasions when talking to either the press when he talks about some of the things he says to the players, or when he's talking directly to the players. he talks a lot about "being the best version of yourself that you can be".

Within the last few years there was a recruiting battle between Bama and one other SEC school. I can't recall who the player was, or which school was one of the finalist with Bama, but I do recall their pitch. I want to say it was Ridley, but don't hold me to that.

The two pitches resembled this:

"If you come here you'll be the next Chris Rainey" (I'm assuming it was Ridley and Florida.)
Bama pitch was along the lines of "come here and you'll be Calvin Ridley." Essentially, make a name of yourself instead of being the "next..."

Personally, I believe you have to take note of the consistency. What they are hearing on the recruiting trail is the same thing that's being reinforced while they're on campus: "being the best version of yourself that you can be."