KJ Hamler Opens Up About Emotional ACL Rehab Ahead Of Return
Former Penn State football star KJ Hamler met with the media at Broncos training camp on Monday and discussed his journey back from his ACL tear last season.
While the wideout isn’t sure about his status for the preseason, he appears confident he’ll be ready for Denver’s season opener against Seattle on September 12, as he gave a chuckle and confident nod when asked about his availability for week one.
However, to get to this point, Hamler explained that he dealt with a tremendous amount of adversity. In addition to his ACL rehab, Hamler lost the “love of his life” when his grandmother passed away.
"Football brought me back to life, and I'm grateful."@Kj_hamler — thank you for sharing your story, thank you for being so vulnerable, thank you for being an inspiration to so many.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 1, 2022pic.twitter.com/TXWOn8grxh
“The devil was on my back for a while,” Hamler said. “I wish I would’ve never did it by myself. I wish I would’ve asked for help… At one point I ain’t want to be here. I ain’t want to be in this world. There was just one point where I didn’t want to be on earth anymore.”
“God gave me the strength to get out of this hole,” he continued. “He knew I was strong enough to get through it. I didn’t feel like I was at the time… I’m proud of myself, and I know my grandmother is proud.”
Hamler continued, saying that he tells his teammates every day that he loves them because you never know when your last day is, which is something he’s come to appreciate more with age. He said he’s “blessed” to be in the position he’s in.
“Football brought me back to life, and I’m grateful,” Hamler said.
The Broncos selected Hamler in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the No. 46 overall pick. The speedy wideout has totaled 35 catches for 455 yards and three touchdowns just 16 games into his NFL career.
Now back and healthy, Hamler could be set up for a breakout season with star quarterback Russell Wilson now under center for the Broncos. Hamler, along with Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and Tim Patrick, among others, will catch passes from the nine-time Pro Bowler this season.
Your ad blocker is on.
Please choose an option below.
Purchase a Subscription!
About the Author
Titles Are Hard, But Leaving’s Harder: Samarth Kulkarni’s Senior Column
“There was always that thought that graduating in three years instead of four would limit the things I could experience during my time here. I couldn’t have been more wrong, and I’m glad!”
‘I Know I Should Be Drafted’: Coziah Izzard’s Experience As An NFL Prospect
“I see the projections, but I don’t really care about that.”
Jordan Mott Emphasizing Collaboration & Transparency In Board Of Trustees Campaign
“There’s nothing wrong with someone having an opposing viewpoint on an issue, and that should be taken into consideration.”
My Way: Gabe Angieri’s Senior Column
“By taking a step-by-step journey through a Frank Sinatra classic, I’m going to tell the story about how I went through these past four years ‘My Way.'”