On the most recent edition of “Hard Knocks,” NFL fans saw up close and personal the moment Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips’ season ended last Friday against the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
When the injury occurred during Miami’s victory against the Jets, Phillips was mic’d up.
Part of Tuesday night’s episode had been dedicated to letting viewers get an inside look at who Phillips was off the field and the force he has become on it.
Nevertheless, things turned ominous when show narrator Liev Schreiber said, “The man who has fought the injuries his whole career is on the verge of stardom.”
The next play shown was the devastating moment Phillips seemed to just collapse as he went for a pass rush.
“I think my s–t popped,” Phillips said to a Jets and Dolphins player standing over him. “My Achilles.”
Team trainers could be seen rushing onto the field as Phillips continued to speak, expecting the worst.
Nope, buddy, it’s finished. Phillips informed teammates, “It’s popped bro,” in an attempt to reassure him that it wasn’t too awful.
“It seemed as though someone had stabbed me in my f-king Achilles tendon,” he exclaimed. “I felt like I was stepped on.” It is not possible.
With Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and the team’s medical personnel surrounding Phillips as she broke down in tears, the heartbreaking scene only served to further evoke strong emotions.
As players from both teams watched him was taken off the field, Phillips remained emotional for the cameras to capture.
In the midst of a strong season for the Dolphins, Phillips finished the year with 43 tackles and 6.5 sacks.
Miami brought in Jason Pierre-Paul to try and fill the gap left by Phillips’ absence.
During an appearance on ESPN New York on Tuesday, Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson said it was something he hated to see happen to Phillips.
Witnessing someone fall is something you always detest,” Wilson remarked. After the game, I saw the footage and realized it was an Achilles. As an athlete, it’s something you have to think about.
Leave a Reply