Jackson Cook

ACL surgery was successful today. Earlier last month during summer practice, I got hit after making a play and completely tore my ACL, fractured my femur and tibia, and sprained my MCL. I thought I was invincible — guess not. But more on a serious note: Mentally, it’s been a lot to handle. I’ve been dealing with frustration, sadness, stress, and honestly, a lot of anger. I haven’t really felt like me lately. Football means everything to me, and not being able to do what I love has been very tough. Every day all I want to do is to be out there with my team, putting on the pads, working out, and just being apart of something bigger than myself. That’s the hardest part is knowing I can’t suit up and play right now. But I’m trusting God’s plan, even when it’s hard to understand. I’m taking it day by day, leaning on my faith to get me through the mental battles as much as the physical ones. I really appreciate my family, friends, and coaches who’ve checked in on me and have showed me support. It means more than I can ever say. I do still have next year to play and my football journey isn’t over. What I’m focused on now is putting in the work to come back stronger than ever and to overcome this bump in the road. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”-Proverbs 3:5-6