Spring football makes its return this week.
Yawn.
Sort of.
Watch my latest video commentary or read below:
It’s heresy to say in this state, but I could do without spring football.
Oh, I know. It’s football. What’s not to love?
But so often the heroes of spring are never heard from again. If starters are the least bit injured, they will sit out the spring, allowing for reserves to shine. They’re lauded. They’re loved. Then when the fall begins and the starters return, they’re lost.
It all seems worthless.
But not this year. The spring will be worth it if only for one player.
Artrell Woods.
You remember, the Oklahoma State receiver was seriously injured in a freak weight room accident last summer. He needed emergency surgery to repair a dislocated vertebra in his back. That’s every bit as serious an injury as it sounds.
Now, less than eight months later, Woods is on the verge of returning to the football field. He was cleared to start jogging and running again in January. When the Cowboys start spring drills, Woods won’t be allowed to participate in any contact drills, but he will run routes and work with the receivers during individual sessions.
Amazing.
Woods’ return is perhaps the most amazing sports story we’ve ever seen in our fair state. Sure, Jason White came back from two knee surgeries to win the Heisman Trophy. That’s pretty amazing in its own right. Still, Woods had no feeling in his legs after the accident. There was paralysis. But next week, he’ll be back on the football field.
That makes spring football this year more than bearable this year. It will make it down right enjoyable.
Want to know more about the Cowboys and the Sooners as they prepare for spring drills? Check out Sunday’s Oklahoman, then make sure you don’t miss our Main Event on Monday, which will be dedicated to spring football.