Laurel Football Star Recovers from Sports Injury

	Because Laurel High School star running back John Moffett kept up physical therapy at SCRMC and didn’t quit, he was able to play the last game of the season.

“I heard the bones breaking,” recalls John. “But I didn’t know that they were mine at first. Then, when my leg began to feel funny, I knew that it was my leg.”

“Everything was kind of a blur after that. I was hurting a lot. I remember that the team doctor and the paramedics were on the field to stabilize me for the ride to South Central Regional Medical Center.”

The ER Springs into Action
John had suffered a fracture to both bones of the left leg. Emergency Room personnel at SCRMC determined that a steel rod would have to be surgically inserted inside the bone if he were to heal properly. It would be a long surgical procedure.

“My surgeon, Dr. Thomas Blake, was the best,” adds John. “I had a good doctor.”

Although John’s leg was not encased in the cumbersome cast that has accompanied broken bones in the past, he did have to hold his bandaged leg straight for days.

“After about a week, I could move around again with no limitations,” continues John. “Really good people work at the hospital.”

Road to Recovery
After four days at South Central, John was released to the care of the physical therapy staff at the South Central Rehabilitation and Wellness Complex, where he began a five-month journey to regain his ability to walk and run.

Today, John Moffett enjoys the vibrant good health of a typical 18-year-old man.

“The people at the Wellness Center were just great,” says John. “I was there at least three to four times a week. It really hurt when I first started going in August, but the strength and flexibility started coming back fairly quickly. I was running again at the end of five months.”

“John’s own involvement in his physical therapy sped his recovery,” states Dr. Blake. “It is a pleasure to treat someone like John who tries so hard to recover from his injury.”

“I was still on the team and suited out, but I didn’t get to play again until the last game of my senior year,” notes John. “It was still great to be at the games with my teammates, though. And I graduated on schedule in May with my class.”

John plans to attend college in the Fall, hopefully at Jones County Junior College or at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he will major in industrial engineering.

John plans to participate in college athletics or pro football. “After I’m accepted to a college, I will most likely try out for the team there.”

Back in the Game with a Positive Attitude
Did the accident cause him to be any less aggressive on the field or slow him down?

“I haven’t changed my style as a result of the accident,” John answers. “Getting injured is just one of the chances you take when you play any contact sport. Most injuries are minor. Broken arms and legs are not usual. And I love the stuff. It’s what I do best.”

He explained that his love of athletics was a legacy from his father and uncles, all of whom were good football players.

“My dad was a running and defensive back who played at Northeast Jones in the mid-70s. He taught me that you must play hard and give it all you got—and to never let anybody tell you that you can’t do anything in sports or life.”

“It is sort of my way of looking at things now that I’m an adult. I know that the most important thing is to never give up on your dreams, no matter what obstacles come up in your life. Just shake them off and go on toward your goal. That’s how I tried to handle the accident.”

John credits his supportive family—parents John H. and Cheryl Moffett; and sisters Laquanda, 22, and Sheria, 14—for his positive attitude.

“My dad and my uncles always encouraged me and gave me love of the game. I have been involved in sports since I played PeeWee Football as a kid. I also play baseball as a left fielder. I’m pretty good at that, too.”

“And although my mom was always afraid of my getting hurt, she and my sisters came to all the games when I was growing up. They were so proud when I was named WDAM-TV Player of the Week during my junior year in a game against Wayne County. I scored two touchdowns and a two-point conversion for a comeback win against that team.”

Advice for Other Injured Athletes
“Although it hurts in the physical therapy sessions, just keep on going to the Wellness Center,” says John. “Keep doing the flexibility exercises until you are better. Just don’t give up. When you get your strength and flexibility back, it will be worth the pain you felt in the beginning.

“I had a really great surgeon and physical therapists through SCRMC,” he adds. “If it hadn’t been for them, I probably wouldn’t be running the way I am now. I’m back—and as good as new.”

Don’t let a sports injury keep you out of the game. SCRMC’s Wellness Center will help you get your strength and flexibility back. For more information about physical therapy at South Central, visit our website at www.scrmc.com.

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