'My Purpose Will Not Be Denied': Teddy Releases 1st Statement Since Injury
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Two days after a "freakish" season-ending injury to his knee, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has released a statement for the first time.
On Tuesday during a team drill, Bridgewater dropped back to pass and suffered the non-contact injury. According to several reports, Bridgewater was seen grabbing his left knee. The team canceled practice after just 25 minutes.
An ambulance was called to Winter Park to take Bridgewater to the hospital.
Vikings officials confirmed later that Bridgewater suffered a dislocated knee, and a MRI showed a complete ACL tear as well as other structural damage. Team officials said there was no nerve or arterial damage. Bridgewater will have surgery in the next few days, and is expected to make a full recovery. Though that recovery time will be significant.
On Thursday, Bridgewater released a statement, thanking those who have supported him and saying he will attack his rehab.
Here's the full statement:
I want to thank the Wilf Family and the entire Vikings organization, all of my teammates, friends, Eric Sugarman and the amazing Vikings athletic training staff and the fans who have sent me messages and wished me well. Your thoughts and prayers mean a lot to me and have helped me in this difficult time. There are great players and great leaders in our locker room who are going to fight to the end to reach the goals we set for 2016. I will be there mentally, physically and in spirit to support them accomplish those goals.
In order to have a testimony, you have to have a test. I come from amazing DNA, I watched my mom fight and win against breast cancer. We will, as a team, attack my rehab with the same vigor and energy. My faith is strong, my faith is unwavering and my vision is clear. My purpose will not be denied.
The Vikings told WCCO Wednesday they did not know when they would have an update on Bridgewater's condition.
The Vikings host the Los Angeles Rams in their final preseason game Thursday night, though Bridgewater and most of the starters were not expected to play.
