It was reported early on Wednesday that former Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox might be unable to resume his football career due to the extent of his injuries. Now, confirmation comes from Knox, via the Chicago Sun-Times.
Johnny Knox confirms he’s not going to return to pro football
Johnny Knox confirmed on Wednesday that he’s not going to be able to return to the NFL due to the extent of his injuries.
Bradley Leeb-US PRESSWIRE
The Sun-Times had an interview with Knox, who says that his body will never be able to recover to the point where he feels he could play at a high enough level in the NFL.
“I know how my body feels, and I know I’m not going to be the same and perform at the ability that I used to. So I’m moving on and going forward.”
Knox said that, as an athlete, he doesn’t want to give up and he wants to keep on fighting, but given the statement above, it’s pretty clear that he won’t be able to reach the level required to play in the NFL.
Given that Knox is still reportedly walking with a limp and has issues sitting down comfortably, it's no surprise that he's calling it quits. Knox's injury came in late 2011, when he was hit in the back by Anthony Hargrove, a defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks.
From there, he went on injured reserve, and he spent the entirety of the 2012 season on the PUP list. On Tuesday, the Bears officially released him.
Knox was a fifth-round draft pick by the Bears in the 2009 NFL Draft, and made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season as a kick returner. He had 51 receptions for 960 yards as a receiver in his second season, and averaged 18.8 yards per reception. It was certainly a promising career prior to the injury.
The interview touches up on what’s in store for Knox going forward. He says he’s going to remain in the Chicago area, is an investor in a new supplement company, and will be partnering up with many charity organizations, especially those related to spinal injury. There’s more, so definitely check out the full link.
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