How Do NFL Players Bounce Back After ACL Tears?

Micah Parsons' recent ACL injury has sparked curiosity about how top NFL pass-rushers recover from such setbacks. Let's explore the journeys of five Pro Bowl edge defenders who faced similar injuries over the past decade.

Nick Bosa

• Standout Player: Earned Pro Bowl honors as a rookie in 2019.
• Injury: Tore his left ACL in his age 23 season.
• Comeback: Returned for the 2021 season opener.
• Performance: Averaged 13.4 sacks per season since his return.
• Recent Setback: Tore his other ACL in his age 28 season and is still recovering.

Bradley Chubb

• Talented Player: Posted 12 sacks as a rookie.
• Injury: Tore his ACL in his age 23 season.
• Comeback: Returned the following year to make his first Pro Bowl.
• Recent Setback: Tore his ACL again in his age 27 season and is currently making his comeback.

Rashan Gary

• Playing Best Football: Tore his ACL in his age 25 season.
• Comeback: Made his first Pro Bowl after the injury.
• Performance: Struggled to regain previous form, averaging eight sacks per season since his return.

Chase Young

• Drafted Second Overall in 2020: Named a Pro Bowler in his rookie season.
• Injury: Tore his ACL in his age 22 season.
• Performance: Averaged only 4.5 sacks per season since, a significant drop from his early promise.

Harold Landry

• Pro Bowl: Made his only Pro Bowl in 2021, his age 25 season.
• Injury: Tore his ACL the following August.
• Comeback: Returned for the 2023 opener.
• Performance: Averaged nine sacks per season since.

These examples show that while players can return to the field after an ACL tear, the injury often marks a turning point in their careers. Only a few have managed to regain their previous level of performance.