Aaron Bedgood - The Comeback - Liberty University

Note: Story provided by @FanWord and is the feature story in Saturday's Flames Illustrated Game Day Program

When I injured my knee for the fourth time in five years, I was sure I was done.

I retired from the game I loved, graduated with my degree in business management, and started selling insurance at State Farm.

Now, I'm a bit of a Swiss army knife here for Liberty.

I'm playing wide receiver, some running back, and special teams.

I had let go of this chapter, but when walking the unknown path that is life, sometimes you end up where you always wanted to be in a way you never thought possible.

Never Counted Out
My injury struggles started my senior year in high school when I tore my ACL.

When I found out what happened, it was a shock to my system.

It felt like everything I've worked so hard for was in jeopardy.

"What now? Will I ever play ball again? What about my scholarship at Coastal Carolina?"

You start running through scenarios in your head, and none of them are good.

I decided to address the issue head-on and talk to the college I committed to and tell them what happened.

I was so worried about getting rejected and being shunned, but instead, all I got was love and support.

Coach Chadwell talked about the commitment I made to them and let me know that commitment was a two-way street.

I was keeping my scholarship and still going to play football.

That unconditional love and commitment only drove me to give it my all and my best to recover and get back out there.

I was back in time for the season, but five games in, and I tore my other ACL.

This time, I knew it instantly.

I knew that awful, familiar feeling and wasn't surprised when it was confirmed.

From there on, it was setback after setback — another knee injury during rehab and another knee sprain in 2022.

By then, I was done.

It was time to finish school and enter the workforce.

I was at peace with that decision, too.

I may not have done everything I wanted to with football, but it just wasn't in the cards, I guess.

Mental Mindset
While things didn't go as planned during those years at Coastal Carolina, one thing I can hang my head on is my mental strength.

So much of this sport is mental, and how I was able to come back from each injury and go through the rehab process is something I'm so proud of.

I could've thrown in the towel at any moment, but I persisted.

I had an incredible support system of friends, family, and coaches who were always there whenever I needed them.

It's one thing to be strong and tell yourself you're okay, but to hear it from someone you love, trust, and respect, it just hits differently, you know?

Once I was working and had time away from the game, I started to miss it.

You know what they say, time heals all wounds, and after being away for a while I started considering a return.

Imagine, a second chance to do it again?

It was intriguing. But what if I get hurt again? What if I have nowhere to go?

I entered the portal and took a chance.

And when I got the call from Liberty, I was absolutely floored.

Getting Another Chance
So much of the staff from Coastal Carolina was here at Liberty.

Remembering their support and guidance during my previous chapter made me go for it.

I definitely had my reservations and concerns about getting in shape in time and being able to play at that elite level again, but the staff believed in me so much that I bought in.

I hit the ground running and hoped for the best.

The transition was definitely a bit challenging at first.

I mean, I was selling life insurance policies just a few weeks ago.

It was a lot to take in.

But with everything I've worked towards, it wasn't long before this place became a second home for me.

Through my work experience, I had a new appreciation for how lucky I was to play the game I love at this high of a level.

I don't think I took it for granted back then, but I definitely wasn't going to take it for granted now.

Making history. Again.
In such a short time, Liberty has had such a profound impact on my life.

I've given it all I have, and it's given me everything back with interest.

On the field, we are 9-0.

Undefeated.

It's unbelievable to be a part of something this historic.

With our most recent win over Louisiana Tech, we even get to host CUSA Football Championship game at Williams Stadium on December 1.

And man, I can't wait for that.

Staying in the Moment
I believe that if you stay focused on the day-to-day, the rest of it works itself out.

So, I try not to think about the thrills of winning a bowl game or what will happen after college.

What does bring me joy and excitement is that the best is yet to come.

No matter what's happened or how dark things ever got for me, eventually, I find the light.

And I sure found the light here with Liberty.

Aaron Bedgood - The Comeback

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