INDIANAPOLIS -
Colts defensive tackle Eric Foster is very thankful this Christmas. He is bouncing back from a major injury.
It's been a season of bad breaks and pitiful performances from the Colts. The season turned ugly on a perfect fall Monday night in Tampa. With a national television audience watching the Colts and Buccaneers, Eric Foster's season was shattered. A teammate landed on Foster, breaking Eric's left ankle. Fans were shocked to see his foot sticking out at a disturbing angle, indicating the painful break.
"I remember the whole play. I saw it coming. I couldn't do anything about it," said Foster. "When it first happened, I freaked out. I felt my whole body change and its shift. My body felt blank from the head down to midway on my leg. I just felt something was going in the wrong direction. That's all I felt and I did panic a little bit. I screamed for a little bit. I knew some of the guys - they are going to get me about that but when a man is down like that...," he said, smiling.
His teammates rallied around him. They dropped to one knee, offering a prayer. Despite being in massive pain, Foster still managed to pump his fist while he was being carted off the field.
"A couple of the guys came by and said a prayer for me that motivated me. We are in it together," said Foster. "It motivated me to say it's still bigger than me. It's not all about me. We need to win this game. We need to win this game. You guys go out and win."
Foster underwent a major operation. He now has a metal plate and ten screws in his ankle. Foster has spent the past two months on the couch recovering.
"It was hard, but at the same time I got to spend more time with family. It sucks not being able to get around and help my wife - she is pregnant - and run around with my daughter. All of that combined with watching the team struggle, it was tough," he said.
"It's been really hard. I'm not going to shy around it," said Foster. "The injury I suffered, it tests your character and challenges you beyond imagination."
Just last week, Foster took a big step. Doctors let him start walking without crutches. Fans have noticed he's back up.
Foster expects to be back to full speed next year. He's staying positive and thankful he's not facing a life-changing health issue..
"We always say prayers for families that go through things like that; when you think of someone going through cancer treatment. You can't complain about this ankle injury," he said.
Next fall, keep an eye out for number 68. Eric Foster is on a mission.
