Jaylen Waddle opens up on decision to play in National Championship Game
Jaylen Waddle’s injury in the Alabama-Tennessee game was described as season-ending, but it didn’t keep him out of the Crimson Tide’s final postseason. The junior wideout managed to return for the National Championship Game against Ohio State in a limited role, logging 3 catches for 34 yards.
Waddle opened up Thursday about what went into that decision when he took questions from the media after declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.
When Waddle heard he had a chance to play, he said he was set on suiting up.
“To be honest, when they told me I was gonna have a chance to play, I already had it in my mind to play,” Waddle told reporters. “It was just great to get back out there with the team and just really do it one last time and go out the right way.”
Few would have blamed Waddle for missing one more game to avoid injury risk. The play-making wide receiver, however, wasn’t worried.
“Nah, I wasn’t worried about getting injured,” Waddle said. “I think if you worry about getting injured, that’s how you get injured. I wasn’t worried about that, I was just trying to win.”
When asked about potential Pro Day or NFL Scouting Combine workouts, Waddle deferred saying that was a question for his doctors, but noted, “I know I’m ahead of schedule.”
With heart like that, he’ll find success wherever his road leads. He is like the Marines I was blessed to serve with. May he never loose heart and Godspeed to him.
He was/is a special talent “pre-injury” and i wish him well in his rehab. That said, he didn’t look so good running in the NC game, not sure that was the best decision for his future.
To play was Jaylen’s decision and not your concern to second-guess his future. His rehab is “ahead of schedule.”
The coaches shouldn’t have let him play. Was foolish. Every kid wants to play and come back early but it doesn’t mean he should be allowed to Homer.
Ah, another busy-body with a worthless opinion on somebody else’s decision as to what’s best for them. Stay in your lane, bro.
So… i’m not allowed to voice an opinion, in your opinion? I see how this is gonna work for the next 4 years. Must be a great feeling to tell people to F-off just because you don’t agree with what they say. Your not quite the norm when it comes to Bama fans, but you be you cupcake.
4 years? What *are* you talking about? You’ve made some faulty assumptions that I can’t help you with. Still, to answer your question: No, that is not my opinion. However, if you have an opinion critical of a player’s decision and/or how it affects his future, your opinion should be at least as well informed as the player’s was. And that’s usually impossible.
Much respect Jaylen. You know your body better than anyone else. The doctors cleared you to play, and you trusted your instincts. This is why you’ll win in life. Making the safe, easy play (or decision) will only take you so far. Life is always a calculated risk.
Oh, and to think you made all those catches on basically one leg! GMs will salivate at what you will do on two!!
^^^ X2
4 years? What *are* you talking about? You’ve made some faulty assumptions that I can’t help you with. Still, to answer your question: No, that is not my opinion. However, if you have an opinion critical of a player’s decision and/or how it affects his future, your opinion should be at least as well informed as the player’s was. And that’s usually impossible.
Disregard ^^^
Posted in wrong spot :)
Funny how a 1st round pick decides to play hurt and people say he made a bad decision. The same people say a player shouldn’t risk injury in a meaningless bowl game. Looks like it didn’t hurt him or his draft prospects.
It should be pointed out that it is the medical staff decision. It’s not the players or the coaches decision to clear him. If he is cleared and wants to play than he should be allowed to play.