Hugh Thornton, a former teammate of Andrew Luck, is undergoing a comeback bid after a retirement of his own.
The Washington Redskins inked Thorton to a deal in late July and he’s trying to make the final 53 on limited chances. The former third-round pick has plenty of talent, but nagging injury issues after gaining weight to make it in the pros caused him to step away.
Thorton said the following, according to the Associated Press’ Stephen Whyno:
“I just got away completely, just unplugged and recharged,” he said. “I just focused on my rehab, focused on my family, focused on my personal life to make sure that when I did have the opportunity physically, spiritually and mentally I was going to be all right.”
Thorton is an incredible story, to say the least. Retiring at the age of 25 to get right and then being talented enough to return and give it another shot is a big feat on its own.
And while Thorton might not end up making the final roster in Washington, he’s a lower-profile example of younger players deciding to step away because of the toll the game inflicts on the body.
Whether Luck eventually pulls a Thorton in Indianapolis is impossible to say. But he has one more exhibition to show the Redskins and NFL he’s worth rostering somewhere.
