Without a doubt the worst aspect of sports of any kind are injuries. There is nothing more heartbreaking than seeing a player be carted off the field, court or ice. Injuries are a regrettable reality every player must deal with, but unfortunately, they can be more common – and devastating – to some more than others.
Perhaps one of the more drastic examples of his is former Portland Trail Blazer Greg Oden. Drafted No. 1 overall by the Blazers in 2007, Oden’s tenure in the Rose City was defined by an inability to stay healthy. Injuries completely derailed a promising career, and now Oden has been speaking out about the struggles he felt during this time.
Seahawks star wide receiver Tyler Lockett took notice, and shared kind words for Oden online.
I hope someone can let him know that he hasn’t let anyone down. Sure he may not have lived up to other peoples expectations but who cares. I hope someone can tell him that all this sports stuff is giving us a head start in life when we enter the real world. You are enough Greg! https://t.co/jIn0AYkGKf
— Tyler Lockett (@TDLockett12) March 8, 2023
It can be easy to forget sometimes these players are human, too. Humans with insecurities, anxiety and struggles with mental health. Constantly rehabbing injuries is such a grueling ordeal and can begin to weigh heavily on those experiencing this.
Here’s hoping Oden can find the peace and resolution to situations completely out of his control during his time in the NBA.