His teammates stood behind in support, and head coach Bob Stoops sat in the wing with a smile on his face while Heisman-winner and junior quarterback Sam Bradford addressed the media Monday about his decision to opt for surgery and enter April’s National Football League Draft.
“To make this decision and to realize that I’ve probably played my last game at Oklahoma is really tough,” Bradford said.
Bradford said surgery is the best option after sustaining two injuries to his right throwing shoulder, and if he does not have surgery, he would be at greater risk of a third injury.
“The best was to try to let the shoulder heal itself,” Bradford said about the initial prognosis. “We tried that, and it didn’t heal. It’s just something [doctors] feel as long as I keep trying to come back, it’s just going to keep re-injuring when I take a hit.”
Bradford will undergo surgery performed by Dr. James Andrews Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala.
“[Surgery is] pretty much going to repair the joint, put it back to normal and strengthen it,” Bradford said.
Of all of the moments Bradford has gone through since his initial AC joint sprain Sept. 5 against Brigham Young, he said the most difficult thing was being in the locker room against Kansas knowing his storied tenure as a Sooner was over.
“Last week was probably the hardest game I’ve ever had to sit on the sidelines,” Bradford said. “Going into the locker room and seeing everyone celebrate, I just realized that I’m not going to be a part of that much more. It’s pretty tough.”
Now Bradford passes on the ceremonial torch to redshirt freshman quarterback Landry Jones, who has started four games this season while Bradford was sidelined.
“I think Landry’s a great player,” Bradford said. “He’s been put into some really tough situations, and it’s not easy coming in the middle of a game.”
Bradford said the thing he’s been most impressed about Jones is the role he has taken over the past month.
“I think he’s just done a tremendous job, especially stepping up and being a leader of this team,” Bradford said. “I just think it shows the tremendous upside that he has, and I think he’s going to be a great player.”
With Bradford’s decision looming over the team for several weeks, Jones said it is somewhat of a relief to know he will be the starting quarterback for the rest of the season.
“There’s a little relief, so it cleared up some of the uncertainty of whether Sam’s coming back or [if] he’s going,” Jones said. “Sam’s a great player. He’s one of the best quarterbacks to ever come through this school, so I have some big shoes to fill.”
Jones has gone 3-1 as a starter during Bradford’s absence, and has completed 117 of 192 passes for 1,363 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Despite suffering multiple injuries this season, Bradford said he has no regrets in coming back for 2009 and cherishes the time he has spent in Norman.
“Absolutely, 100 percent no regrets,” Bradford said. “I’ve been extremely blessed to be here. The past 3 1/2 years have been 3 1/2 of the best years of my life. I wouldn’t trade a day of it.”
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tayl4008 2 years, 7 months ago
bless you bradford. thank you for how awesome you are.
soonerstaff 2 years, 7 months ago
Bravo to Sam for being a class act. We can all second guess his choice, but ultimately he came back in the first place because he loves the Sooners so much. That's dedication, risking your career for a team and school you love. I can't wait to see the places he goes in the NFL!