As Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney commences the process of recovering from microfracture surgery, the key question in the coming months will be whether the rehabilitation process goes smoothly. Whether that happens will depend on Clowney’s work ethic.
Former NFL athletic trainer and current Sports Medicine Consultant for NBC’s Sunday Night Football Mike Ryan explained the surgery and the rehab on Wednesday’s PFT Live. It’s an understandable explanation of a complicated procedure that has come a long way in recent years. Previously a Hail Mary option to restore cartilage in a knee that lacked it, the microfracture process now has a much higher success rate -- if the procedure goes well and the rehab occurs properly.
As to Clowney, there’s reason for concern. Those questioning his work ethic in the months preceding the draft included his college coach, Steve Spurrier. While Spurrier later tried to rectify his faux pas, the damage was done. Clowney now has an opportunity to prove that the perception isn’t reality.
Clowney’s case also provides medical science with a chance to change the perception that the microfracture procedure is the proverbial kiss of death for a player’s career. Ryan said that many players have had the procedure but declined to disclose it, due to the belief that players who have had microfracture surgery will never be the same. Ryan said that many players have recovered completely, with some becoming Pro Bowlers after having the operation.
