For JaQuan King, football wasn’t just a sport; it was his future.
As a senior at Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, JaQuan was quickly emerging as a top-ranked college football prospect in 2016. His performance spoke for itself. During a jamboree scrimmage, he scored four touchdowns, turning heads and fueling optimism about the next chapter of his athletic career. College recruiters were watching, and momentum was building.
Then, in an instant, everything changed.
During the scrimmage, JaQuan went down hard. He lay on the field gripping his ankle, surrounded by trainers and teammates. The swelling was immediate. What should have been another highlight moment became a turning point; one filled with uncertainty, fear, and unanswered questions. The diagnosis: a season-ending ankle injury. JaQuan couldn’t help but wonder if he would ever play football again.
When a Sports Injury Changes Everything
The very next day, JaQuan visited OrthoCarolina, where the care team performed X-rays and a full evaluation. The results confirmed what he feared: his ankle was broken, and surgery was necessary right away.
For a young athlete on the brink of college recruitment, the news was overwhelming. Losing an entire season meant lost exposure, lost opportunities, and a long road back, both physically and mentally.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Scott Biggerstaff walked JaQuan through the diagnosis and treatment plan, offering reassurance during a difficult moment. While the injury was serious, Dr. Biggerstaff was confident that with the right surgical care and rehabilitation, JaQuan could make a full recovery.
Still, the fear lingered. Would he return to the same level of play? Would colleges still be interested? And how long would recovery take?
The Road to Recovery: Surgery, Rehab, and Determination
JaQuan’s recovery began with surgery, followed by an intensive and carefully monitored rehabilitation plan. Over the next five months, he committed himself fully to healing.
Recovery came in stages:
- Regaining the ability to walk comfortably
- Gradually increasing weight-bearing activity
- Incorporating cone drills and balance work
- Jogging and jump rope exercises to restore agility and confidence
Each milestone brought him one step closer to the field. The process required patience, consistency, and trust in his care team, but JaQuan never lost sight of his goal.
Once OrthoCarolina cleared him for contact, JaQuan eased back into football-specific training. His confidence returned as his ankle grew stronger, and his determination became stronger still.
A Second Chance at the Collegiate Level
Although JaQuan was sidelined for the remainder of his high school season, his talent hadn’t gone unnoticed.
One college, Averett University, had been watching JaQuan even before his injury. Rather than backing away, they chose to believe in his potential and offered him the opportunity to play football at the collegiate level.
For JaQuan, Averett represented more than a scholarship, it was a second chance.
He embraced the opportunity with gratitude and focus, determined to prove himself both on and off the field. During the summer leading up to his freshman year, he doubled down on training and prioritized his academics, understanding that long-term success requires balance, discipline, and resilience.
Stronger Than Before: Life After an Ankle Injury
JaQuan continues to excel following his recovery. Although he has plates and screws in his ankle, he reports making a full comeback and is training harder than ever.
Injury prevention is now a key part of his routine. He emphasizes the importance of a proper warm-up before every practice and game to protect his ankle and reduce the risk of reinjury. His experience has made him more mindful, more prepared, and more resilient as an athlete.
JaQuan’s journey is a powerful reminder that an injury doesn’t have to define an athlete’s future. With expert orthopedic care, a personalized rehabilitation plan, and the determination to keep moving forward, recovery is possible, even after a major setback.
As legendary coach Vince Lombardi once said: “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up.” JaQuan did exactly that.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from a broken ankle?
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the fracture and whether surgery is required. For many athletes, full recovery can take several months, including physical therapy to restore strength, mobility, and stability.
Can athletes return to sports after ankle surgery?
Yes. Many athletes successfully return to their sport after ankle surgery with proper rehabilitation and medical clearance. A structured recovery plan and guidance from an orthopedic specialist are essential to ensure a safe and effective return to play.
How can athletes prevent future ankle injuries?
Preventative strategies include proper warm-ups, strength and balance training, wearing supportive footwear, and following rehabilitation exercises even after recovery. Ongoing conditioning plays a key role in reducing reinjury risk.
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