There were few better stories coming out of Chicago Bears training camp than Ian Wheeler. They’d signed him as an undrafted free agent out of small Howard University. Most people only knew him as a kick returner, but the team felt he had untapped potential as a running back. He reinforced those beliefs with a terrific preseason, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns. It felt like he was building a legitimate case to earn a roster spot despite playing at a crowded position.
Sadly, the NFL can be a cruel place at times. Nothing is more devastating to a young player than a significant injury. That befell Wheeler in the preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs. During a run to his left, a defender dove at his feet, trying to make the tackle. His helmet slammed right into the side of Wheeler’s knee. He quickly limped off the field. The running back immediately knew something was wrong. Trainers took him into the locker room, where it was revealed he’d torn his ACL, ending his season.
While seeing it unfold on Hard Knocks was hard enough, the reaction of Wheeler’s mother to the news made it a thousand times more devastating.
He chose to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL rather than continuing his quest to become a doctor. It was a big gamble, considering he wasn’t likely to get drafted. Through relentless hard work, he’d put himself on the cusp of achieving that dream. Then, one reckless tackle changed the trajectory of his life. One can understand why his mother reacted that way. She knows knee injuries can kill careers faster than anything else in pro football. That goes especially for undrafted free agents. They don’t have the luxury of being protected by high draft status or large contracts. The margin for error is razor-thin.
One thing is clear: the path ahead for Ian Wheeler is treacherous. He must endure months of rehabilitation, and keeping focused during such a time is extremely difficult. GM Ryan Poles told him this when the two met after the game. He told Wheeler that keeping a mental edge is vital to his recovery process. Poles would know. He endured the same career setback as a player during the late 2000s. At least the Bears seem open to giving him another opportunity. That is all one could ask for.
