Western Kentucky linebacker Bryson Washington had a great game cut short Thursday night after a celebration went horribly wrong.
After making a tackle against Louisiana Tech, Washington jumped in the air to celebrate, but an awkward landing sent him limping off the field.
It did not look great.
the celebration injury gotta be the worst way to go out pic.twitter.com/doiZAfzwwZ
— wow that was crazy (@CowardlyDoggo) October 6, 2023
The Hilltoppers linebacker would not return to the game, which Western Kentucky held on to win 35-28.
The injury came at a brutal time for the sixth-year senior, who was coming off his first career start last week against Middle Tennessee.
In that game, Washington finished with seven tackles and an interception. He subsequently was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week.
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— WKU Football (@WKUFootball) October 2, 2023
In his first career start, @bryson20_ has earned @ConferenceUSA Defensive Player of the Week!
More info: https://t.co/DUv2NAHkIY#GoTops pic.twitter.com/IZmytLdpn3
Washington’s performance against Middle Tennessee put him in line to lead the Hilltoppers out as a captain on Thursday night before his injury.
It’s not the first time a player’s celebration has wound up resulting in an injury. Just last year, LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith tore his ACL while celebrating a sack, knocking him off the field for the full season. Similar instances have occured in the NFL as well.
There is not yet an update on the severity of Washington’s injury, but for the sake of his season, let’s hope the prognosis is better than it appeared on television.