Sanders Recovers From His Hardest Hit
11/21/2023 8:30:00 AM | Football
TCU running back appreciative of life after a near fatal car accident
By Delaney Vega
Running backs are no stranger to hard hits, but for Trey Sanders, a five-star running back recruit, one hit had the potential to change everything.
After a standout sophomore season for Alabama in 2020, Sanders, among the nation's best, faced a life-altering moment. A car accident thrust him into the torment of a hospital bed in the middle of such a strong season. A phone call from doctors to his family and coach accompanied the incident, casting an uncertain shadow on his promising career.
The incident that left Sanders in shock was one he described as "... life-changing, just because I had to retrain myself how to walk and also how to become a high-performance player again," said Sanders.
The physical rehabilitation process was more than an obstacle; it was a mountain to climb. Sanders not only had to regain his physical readiness but also relearn basic functions. However, the biggest battle to undertake was in his mind. Despite the haunting memories of the accident, Sanders takes it one day at a time, pushing himself to overcome the mental hurdles.
"It's not something I think about all the time, but I can say it's on my mind," Sanders said. "Just because I'm so used to going out on the field and being able to do what I want, but my body ain't how it used to be, so now I just gotta adjust to it."
While this setback added to his football career's list of challenges, Sanders demonstrated a unique resilience in the face of adversity. He referred to that era of his life as "growing pains," determined to make a triumphant comeback on the field and reclaim his spot in the stadium's limelight.
Returning to the football spotlight marked a pivotal moment for Sanders. His approach to everything changed, a metamorphosis evident in the renewed vigor with which he approached each practice and game.
"Honestly, after that, I started approaching life differently," Sanders reflected. "Just waking up every morning, appreciating being alive since my life could have been taken away right at that moment."
His triumphant return to Division I football was not just a physical feat but an emotional journey. The roar of the crowd, the adrenaline coursing through his veins – each moment on the field was a testament to his indomitable spirit and unyielding determination.
Now, donning the purple and white of TCU after leaving the Crimson Tide, the growing pains that threatened to linger found solace in the camaraderie of fellow Horned Frogs.
"When I first got here, I was sitting at a table by myself, but then JoJo (Earle) started to come sit with me, and we both started making friends on the team together," Sanders shared, underscoring the importance of a supportive team in his journey.
Looking towards his future, Sanders feels more than a player at TCU; he feels like part of a family. Striving to keep morale high, provide for his team, and "take care of business," Sanders envisions a legacy that extends beyond touchdowns and victories.
In the tapestry of Trey Sanders' life, the thread of resilience runs prominently, weaving a narrative of triumph over adversity. His story is not just one of a remarkable recovery from a harrowing hit but a testament to his enduring strength in the face of life-altering challenges.
Running backs are no stranger to hard hits, but for Trey Sanders, a five-star running back recruit, one hit had the potential to change everything.
After a standout sophomore season for Alabama in 2020, Sanders, among the nation's best, faced a life-altering moment. A car accident thrust him into the torment of a hospital bed in the middle of such a strong season. A phone call from doctors to his family and coach accompanied the incident, casting an uncertain shadow on his promising career.
The incident that left Sanders in shock was one he described as "... life-changing, just because I had to retrain myself how to walk and also how to become a high-performance player again," said Sanders.
The physical rehabilitation process was more than an obstacle; it was a mountain to climb. Sanders not only had to regain his physical readiness but also relearn basic functions. However, the biggest battle to undertake was in his mind. Despite the haunting memories of the accident, Sanders takes it one day at a time, pushing himself to overcome the mental hurdles.
"It's not something I think about all the time, but I can say it's on my mind," Sanders said. "Just because I'm so used to going out on the field and being able to do what I want, but my body ain't how it used to be, so now I just gotta adjust to it."
While this setback added to his football career's list of challenges, Sanders demonstrated a unique resilience in the face of adversity. He referred to that era of his life as "growing pains," determined to make a triumphant comeback on the field and reclaim his spot in the stadium's limelight.
Returning to the football spotlight marked a pivotal moment for Sanders. His approach to everything changed, a metamorphosis evident in the renewed vigor with which he approached each practice and game.
"Honestly, after that, I started approaching life differently," Sanders reflected. "Just waking up every morning, appreciating being alive since my life could have been taken away right at that moment."
His triumphant return to Division I football was not just a physical feat but an emotional journey. The roar of the crowd, the adrenaline coursing through his veins – each moment on the field was a testament to his indomitable spirit and unyielding determination.
Now, donning the purple and white of TCU after leaving the Crimson Tide, the growing pains that threatened to linger found solace in the camaraderie of fellow Horned Frogs.
"When I first got here, I was sitting at a table by myself, but then JoJo (Earle) started to come sit with me, and we both started making friends on the team together," Sanders shared, underscoring the importance of a supportive team in his journey.
Looking towards his future, Sanders feels more than a player at TCU; he feels like part of a family. Striving to keep morale high, provide for his team, and "take care of business," Sanders envisions a legacy that extends beyond touchdowns and victories.
In the tapestry of Trey Sanders' life, the thread of resilience runs prominently, weaving a narrative of triumph over adversity. His story is not just one of a remarkable recovery from a harrowing hit but a testament to his enduring strength in the face of life-altering challenges.
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