Whenever an athlete at any level of competition suffers a major injury that requires surgery for the first time, it is often their first time facing their own mortality in a sense. That is especially true for the elite at their respective sport playing professionally.
Up to that point, they’ve played through nicks, bruises, and various minor injuries and ailments. However, having your season abruptly ended, undergoing surgery and having your athletic future put in jeopardy — whether it’s momentarily or permanent — is a humbling and nerve-wracking experience.
Baltimore Ravens’ All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley had to face and overcome this reality when he suffered an ankle injury that ended his 2020 season after just eight games.