Like over 100 million other people, I will be watching the Super Bowl in 2 weeks. We all have our different things that we like about Super Bowl Sunday. If you are lucky enough to be a Steelers or Packers fan, then obviously you will be intent on watching the game. If you are a fan of one of the other 30 teams that didn't make it, you'll likely have other interests. Plenty of folks just enjoy the spread of pizza, wings, etc. Others might have some money on the game. One friend has a bunch of side bets that include an over/under for the length of the national anthem, who will have the most commercials, the color of the Gatorade poured on the winning coach and several other humorous wagers. As for me, it's some combination of those things, but I will be very interested in watching one particular Steeler.
In the Steelers first drive yesterday, Maurkice Pouncey, was injured as another player rolled up on his leg. My Dad (a big Steelers fan) asked me what I thought. After just a few replays, it was pretty evident that it was at least a syndesmosis (high ankle) sprain. Although seeing him loaded on to the cart a few moments later made it evident, I had to break the news to Dad that he was likely done for at least the rest of this game. As the game progressed, it was clear that the Steelers were missing their Pro Bowl center. Reports today confirm the injury as a high ankle sprain.
Their chances against the Packers will certainly be higher if Maurkice will be healthy enough to play. Depending on the severity, these injuries tend to take 3-4 weeks or more to heal. The Steelers' physicians and trainers will have to cut that time in half. I have no doubt that treatment began immediately and will continue as much as possible over the next two weeks. These are the exciting but nervous times of being an Athletic Trainer. They are also the most rewarding. This situation is a great microcosm of one of my favorite parts of this job (rehab) and one of the most stressful (deciding if an athlete is cleared to play).
Granted a Conference USA baseball game is on a slightly smaller stage than the Super Bowl, I've been there before. With just about a week remaining in the season, our Senior shortstop suffered a high ankle sprain after stepping awkwardly while rounding 3rd base. My initial impression and the early diagnosis made the idea of him playing in the final series doubtful. With family and friends coming to town for Senior day, it was greatly important to this young man to play in his last game. After consulting with the physician and coach, we set a goal of having him available as a pinch hitter and potentially a DH. I remained skeptical but did everything in my power to get him on the field. Lesson number one was never underestimate a determined, stubborn and tough athlete. We both put in a lot of hours and I know it wasn't easy for him, but it was clear that the idea of sitting on the bench for his last game hurt worse than his ankle. With an ankle tape job and bracing that took easily 10 minutes to apply, he was able to do enough to make the roster for the weekend. The first two games didn't go well. Pinch hit strikeouts and slow limps back to the dugout were all he could manage. Then on Senior Day he was slotted as the DH. In a key situation he was able to rope a single and "run" down to first base. It was a long and unsuccessful season for the team but at the moment, I was as proud as any other moment in my life in sports.
I have a feeling that Maurkice Pouncey will be in uniform on Super Bowl sunday. The news reports today make me think that he fits into that determined, stubborn and tough athlete category. If he does play, with every snap that isn't fumbled and every little block that goes unnoticed, there will be a bunch of people on the sidelines wearing khaki pants and Steelers polo shirts with smiles on their face, imagining what their next Super Bowl ring might look like. The commentators will undoubtedly talk about Aaron Rodgers' poise, James Harrison's intensity and maybe even Maurkice Pouncey's determination and toughness. You can color me surprised though if a Steelers' Athletic Trainer is mentioned. The funny thing is, that's fine with most trainers I know. We're happy to be the guy in the background of the picture like Jerry Maguire. Although I hope to see this changed someday, the reward of seeing our athletes competing because of our efforts and the thanks we receive from them are almost always enough.
If you are interested in seeing the video of the injury (about 1:20 into the video) or seeing what Maurkice is saying here is the link:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81de2959/article/pouncey-plans-to-play-in-super-bowl-despite-ankle-sprain
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