Back in the Game: The Road to ACL Recovery with Jency Riley Jr.

In the world of professional sports, athletes face the constant fear of injury. While the physical impact is clear—strains, tears, and breaks—the mental and emotional effects can be just as severe. The fear of never returning to peak performance can cloud an athlete's confidence and mental health, making recovery a long, challenging process.

Injury not only disrupts an athlete’s career but also challenges their identity. The road to recovery requires physical healing and emotional resilience, as athletes wrestle with frustration and self-doubt. However, many emerge stronger, learning to push through both physical and mental barriers.

Overcoming the fear of injury means accepting it as part of the journey. By confronting and working through this fear, athletes can return to their sport more prepared, confident, and focused on what lies ahead.

Jency Riley Jr. is a student-athlete and passionate storyteller majoring in Sports Media and Journalism. With a strong background in sports and a deep love for media, he is dedicated to blending his athletic experience with his skills in journalism to offer fresh perspectives on the sports world. As an active podcast host, Jency dives into game analysis, athlete stories, and interviews with those shaping the sports landscape. He aims to engage audiences through new media platforms, creating content that entertains, informs, and inspires.

In this episode, I’m excited to share a conversation I had with Jency Riley Jr, a tight end at Jackson State University, on his YouTube channel. We talked about ACL injuries, recovery, and the challenges athletes face—not just physically, but mentally too. As an orthopedic surgeon with over 13 years of experience, I dive into what athletes go through, from surgery to the emotional ups and downs of returning to play. This episode is a must-listen for athletes, parents, coaches, and anyone looking to better understand the journey of injury recovery.

"It doesn’t matter how well I do your surgery. If you don’t do your part, you’re gonna remain weak and you’re not gonna be able to protect your knee when you go back to play." – Dr. Derrick Burgess

Topics Covered:

(00:00:00) Welcome to TimeOut with the SportsDr Podcast

(00:02:31) Jency Riley’s knee surgery

(00:04:11) Meet Dr. Derrick Burgess

(00:06:06) Small world moments

(00:07:25) Starting the podcast to inspire others

(00:09:57) How knee injuries are diagnosed 

(00:12:55) Understanding the rehab process before surgery

(00:15:53) A blessing in disguise

(00:18:53) Importance of support for injured athletes

(00:19:12) The first painful week of recovery

(00:21:02) Importance of rehab for full recovery

(00:22:34) The fear of re-injury is real

(00:24:38) Run your own race

(00:26:17) Strengthening your quad

(00:29:37) Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess

(00:31:24) Wrap-up

Key Takeaways:  

"It’s unfortunate when you get injured, but it’s fortunate for me because that’s the people that I really get to know." 

"I think it’s important for people to know that you don’t have to be perfect to achieve whatever dream you have, number one." 

"It taught me to appreciate the small wins. Just simply walking, getting up on my bed, and being able to stand up on two feet."

"It can be tough on the athletes, but it can be mental struggles, and you're already struggling physically."

"The fear of re-injury is one of the main quoted factors for why some athletes just say I'm done."

Connect with Jency Riley Jr.:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jencyrileyjr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jencyrileyjr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jency-riley-jr-90205b338/

Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:

Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.derrickburgess243

Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com

This episode of TimeOut with the SportsDr. is produced by Podcast VAs Philippines - the team that helps podcasters effectively launch and manage their podcasts, so we don't have to. Record, share, and repeat! Podcast VAs PH gives me back my time, so I can focus on the core functions of my business. Need expert help with your podcast? Go to www.podcastvasph.com.