Malik's ACL journey

by Malik Henderson
(Bakersfield, CA, U.S.)

This past season was going to be my standout year in football as a runningback. However, during the summer at a football camp a tore my ACL. I didnt know at first, the trainer just said it was a hyperextension. Then my dad took me to get an MRI to be sure, sure enough the doctor said I tore my ACL. My first thought was, man I'm not going to be able to play my senior year of my high school season, I just wanted to cry..
Then the doctor told me my options. I could rehab for 8 weeks and come back with a brace and get surgery after the season, or just get surgery. I knew I wanted to play, that was MY only option. So I started rehabing it and made a remarkable recovery. I went back to my team after 6 weeks of rehab. The first game came around and I ended doing great with 3 touchdowns. My knee did have some limitations though. I ended the season well considering my conditon. In the 7 games I played, I rallied up 750 yards with 11 touchdowns. I missed 4 games of the season due to my injury. In one of the games I got hurt again and tore my miniscus. So in my last two games I played in pain with a torn ACL and miniscus. With my condition I still recieved All-League and All-Area awards.

After the season I got surgery on Dec. 23, 2009. I am currently doing well. In the month of April I started running on it again. It feels good and I cant wait to get back out there and play 100%. I will be playing football at Whittier College. I recieved over 35,000 dollars a year to go there on scholarships and grant money.
I am participating in the U.S. Army Arena Bowl at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield, CA on April 30th.
I really hope I can play. We will see how it feels.

After you tear your ACL, its a tough journey to go through. Just stay strong and if you have heart, you will do just fine. It helps make you tougher and really puts you to the test. When you ask yourself, how far will i go to achieve a goal, you never know until you are put to the test. I was put to the test and I passed!

Thank you
Sincerely, Malik Henderson