OSU Receiver Bounces Back From Scary Lifting Injury

Last summer Oklahoma State wide receiver Artrell Woods was involved in a serious accident in the team's weightroom.

Carrying 185 pounds across his shoulders, Woods finished a set of repetitions and walked over to set the weight down. He tweaked an ankle and lost his balance, collapsing to the floor. The weight fell on top of him, dislocating his spine.

Woods was unable to move and immediately lost feeling in his legs. He was flown by helicopter to an area hospital and underwent a spinal fusion surgery. At the time his football future wasn't the only thing in doubt.

"At first, the doctors didn't think I would ever walk again, period," Woods said. "They weren't even thinking about me playing again. They were just trying to get me moving."

After a strenuous bout of rehabilitation, Woods was amazingly cleared to play football again in January.

"I still have some work to do," Woods said. "I'm not the same player I was before I got hurt. It would be pretty obvious if people were out there watching me. I'm almost there, though, almost there."

He has been given a green jersey to keep from getting hit in practice, and team doctors are confident he will be ready for the season opener against Washington State on Aug. 30 in Seattle.

When I wrote about Woods' injury last summer I never imagined he would be back on the field this spring. His story is quite a tribute to modern medicine, his own fierce determination, and the power of love and support from family, friends and teammates.

But in Woods' mind, the comeback isn't over yet: