John Jansen - In the Trenches Episode 5 w/ Grant Newsome

Submitted by Salinger on

Link to the episode.

Think it dropped just a bit ago, so no commentary at this time. Enjoy!

Arb lover

August 21st, 2018 at 12:22 PM ^

Here is Grant Newsome's Statement he read at the opening of this interview, for his fans:

Not all stories have a happy ending. A little under 23 months ago I walked off the field in Michigan Stadium, not knowing that my life had been forever changed. I was in the midst of my Sophomore season, starting at the left tackle for the number four team in the nation. I envisioned the national championship. I saw myself on stage in New York City, walking across the stage to shake the commissioner's hand and hold up that jersey with the number one on it. But not all stories have a happy ending.
Before I knew it I was in the hospital. In the midst of four hours of testing, my heart steadily sinking, as I realized what we later know; my season was over. I ended up dislocating my knee, fracturing my tibia, tearing three ligaments in my knee,suffering severe nerve damage to three different nerves, and destroying my popliteal artery. Emergency surgery saved my leg, and maybe my life. I spent more than a week in the ICU, unable to have coherent conversations for more than a few minutes without falling back into a drug-induced stupor. I spent 38 days total in the hospital. Scars litter my right leg as a reminder of this experience. It took six additional surgeries to fix what was broken.
When I left the hospital I couldn't even contract the hamstring or quad muscles in my right leg. My leg had atrophied so badly that my right thigh was the same diameter as my left calf. The doctor's were concerned that I would never walk, but I defied the odds. I struggled through nearly two years of rehab, teaching myself first to stand,then walk, then run. I overcame setbacks and obstacles that initially seemed insurmountable. I began to work through offensive line drills, and complete lifts and conditioning with my teammates. I began to see myself back on the field in the Big House, my emotions nearly uncontrollable as the national anthem played for my return. But not all stories have a happy ending.
Unfortunately for that dream, God has other plans for me. Despite the near miraculous healing in my knee, the totality of the injury was too much, as some recent secondary injuries coupled with the fragile nature of the vascular graph have made the risk of playing football again one that is too great for me to accept. So I have made undoubtedly the most difficult decision of my life, and will medically retire from football.
Like I said, not all stories have a happy ending, but mine does. I have an incredible, loving family, complete with the best parents a kid could ever hope for, and two brothers who will surely know nothing but success and happiness. On top of that, I have a girlfriend who is the most incredible woman I've ever met, who's been by my side this entire process, seen me at my best and my worst, and yet treating me just the same. One day I will be able to play catch with my kids, to chase after them as they learn to ride a bicycle, and stand on my own too feet and applaud them at their graduations. I'll be able to sit comfortably and tell them about the experiences I've had.
I got the opportunity to run out of the tunnel at Michigan Stadium, and touch the banner. I've heard a hundred and ten thousand people cheer for me and my teammates. I've been a part of miraculous victories and crushing defeats, and learned how to handle each. I've gotten to be around an incredible group of athletes, coaches and staff every day, including a group of trainers and doctors who went above and beyond for me each day, in treating me as if I were their son. I've made friendships that will last a lifetime, and been able to watch these friends see their dreams become a reality. I've been able to spend time with Larry Proud, Jr., and see him grow into an even more inspiring young man. I've gained perspective. Watching him fight the toughest battles and overcome the greatest obstacles, all while being respectful, upbeat, and outgoing. I've gotten to know his parents, Larry Sr. and Kathy, to experience their love. I hope that I can one day become a tenth of the parent each of them is to Larry.
And finally, I've gotten a world class education from the greatest university on Earth. Forgive me, I'm biased, I know. I've been taught by the best professors, engaged by the most gifted classmates, and then humbled and built back up. I've seen and learned about the injustices that exist in our world, our country, and even our local neighborhoods. But I've also seen the power that everyday people can also have when they work to affect positive change. God has graced me with a platform, with a testimony, and with a chance to hopefully make a difference in the lives of many. I don't know what the future ultimately holds for me, but I know that I will spend it working to help others, to repay the kindnesses of everyone who has touched my life over these last two years, to try and make the world a better place for my own generation and those which will follow.
In the short term, Coach Harbaugh has graciously allowed me to stay with the team as a student coach, where I'll be working with the tight ends while I complete my masters degree. So to any kid reading this, or anyone who has hopes and dreams but fears they may be dashed; yes, not all stories have a happy ending you envision, but all stories have meaning, and all stories are worth living. Thank you all, and may God bless you and those you love, like he has me. -Grant Newsome

outsidethebox

August 21st, 2018 at 4:30 PM ^

And this is why, even though from a football side I think Jim Harbaugh can improve, with the larger picture in mind I believe that Jim Harbaugh is the best college football coach. These are the kids he recruits and this is the culture he nurtures. For all those bitching about not winning enough-this is for you. Anyone who cannot appreciate this  needs to rethink their life.