Kevin Ware (2013)
1
Ware suffered a gruesome compound fracture during a college basketball game, but made an inspiring recovery and return to play.
Paul George (2014)
2
George broke his leg in a Team USA scrimmage, requiring multiple surgeries, but made a successful comeback to the NBA.
Ryan Shazier (2017)
3
Shazier sustained a severe spinal injury that threatened his ability to walk, but through rigorous rehabilitation, he regained mobility and returned to the field.
Derrick Rose (2012)
4
Rose tore his ACL during the playoffs, leading to a lengthy recovery, but he eventually returned to MVP-level performance.
Neymar Jr. (2014)
5
Neymar broke a vertebra in the World Cup, sidelining him for the rest of the tournament, but he made a full recovery and returned to elite football.
Alex Smith (2018)
6
Smith suffered a compound fracture in his leg that led to a life-threatening infection, but he made an extraordinary recovery and returned to play in the NFL.
Sidney Crosby (2011)
7
Crosby dealt with severe concussion issues that kept him out of the game for over a year, but he made a full recovery and returned to dominate in the NHL.
Brandon Roy (2008)
8
Roy experienced knee problems that led to premature retirement, but he made an attempted comeback with the Timberwolves before retiring again.
Lamar Odom (2015)
9
Odom’s near-fatal overdose and subsequent coma led to a challenging recovery, but he has since made strides in his personal life and career.
Wade Boggs (1985)
10
Boggs suffered a severe ankle injury, but his recovery allowed him to continue his Hall of Fame baseball career.
Gordon Hayward (2017)
11
Hayward suffered a brutal leg injury during the opening game of the NBA season, leading to a lengthy recovery and eventual return to play.
Troy Polamalu (2008)
12
Polamalu suffered a significant knee injury but managed to return to the NFL and continue his impactful career.
Mario Lemieux (1993)
13
Lemieux was diagnosed with cancer and required radiation therapy, but he made a remarkable return to the NHL and led the Penguins to two Stanley Cups.
Zlatan Ibrahimović (2017)
14
Ibrahimović tore his ACL but made a remarkable recovery, returning to play and continue his career at a high level.
Rory McIlroy (2015)
15
McIlroy injured his ankle while playing soccer, but his recovery included a return to golf and winning major tournaments.