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football | March 07, 2023
If you’re looking for a Trojan that truly embodies the “Fight On” motto, look no further than USC Offensive Lineman Andrew Vorhees. During a shuttle practice Sunday at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, the 6’6, 325-pound man collapsed in pain and appeared to suffer a serious injury. Reports later confirmed that Vorhees had suffered a complete cruciate ligament rupture in his right knee.
Rather than call it quits on his combine experience, the offensive lineman returned the next day, with crutches and all, to complete his bench press routine. Not only has Vorhees successfully benched with a sound knee, he’s completed the most reps of this year’s combine at 38.
Vorhees received immediate support and encouragement from both Trojan coaches and fans, but the lineman’s efforts quickly spread beyond a USC audience. From JJ Watt to Mike Golic Jr., Vorhees’ 38 reruns went viral and took the internet by storm.
Check out some of the best answers:
You either run from things or face them. https://t.co/KzEd5s7zMG
— Andrew Vorhees (@Andrew_Vorhees) March 7, 2023
Smoking 38 reps without being able to put a leg down after everything he’s been through that day is SAVAGE. nothing but respect and wish him a speedy recovery. https://t.co/I0EJbxXPbZ
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) March 7, 2023
Perfect warrior…played injured the entire second half of the season when most would have quit…whichever team drafts him is going to get an absolute dude in the trenches-@Andrew_Vorhees https://t.co/RFau3RFUmR
— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) March 6, 2023
What a move.
Not even being able to plant his feet in the ground, wearing a full leg brace and still doing more reps than anyone else in the entire combine.
It would have been so easy to feel sorry for yourself, pack up and go home.
Instead he does this.
🫡 https://t.co/5Vc7Q7Ibqb
— JJ Watts (@JJWatt) March 7, 2023
It’s a clean cruciate ligament tear for Andrew Vorhees, said the source. He then did the most reps in the combination this morning…after the injury. https://t.co/nQK52U7cda
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2023
Estimated top 100 selection Andrew Vorhees suffered a cruciate ligament tear during NFL Combine practice on Sunday. Yesterday he hit a combine high on the bench with 38 reps 💪🏾
above: @uscfb pic.twitter.com/SWbmyp7V2A
— CONTINUOUS (@continuous) March 7, 2023
In the crucial moments when you are not up to the task, you sink to your training level. @Andrew_Vorhees fought for us all year and that ultimately prepared him for this moment to fight through pain and adversity. 38 reps! 🤯 That’s a GUY!!! #Keep fighting!✌🏾 https://t.co/qBhL7vy5ul
— Roy Manning (@CoachRoyM) March 7, 2023
Teams don’t even have to meet with him.
He has shown you everything you need to know about his character right here. Outside normal readings.
I hope you have a speedy recovery and dominate this league for a long time, @Andrew_Vorhees. #Keep fighting https://t.co/fcnlszP3dk
— Matt Cassel (@M_Cassel16) March 7, 2023
& not even planted his feet! Keep fighting brother ✌🏽 https://t.co/nyfDk3UMfO
— TWOCKA 🗯 (@AntwaunWoods_) March 7, 2023
giant among men! @Andrew_Vorhees will #Keep fighting And come back better than ever, I have no doubt about that. pic.twitter.com/coPUTqE5Q0
— Donte Williams (@CoachDee_USC) March 7, 2023
I cried yesterday knowing how hard Andrew worked to get to this point. 1️⃣something over @Andrew_Vorhees He faces all challenges like a defensive player. It’s just an obstacle in the way 4️⃣him because the Andrew I know will always fight for love for you bro https://t.co/VJncKrogn0
— Gavin Morris (@DaGman7) March 7, 2023
No surprise. I’ve watched this guy fight through all sorts of odds for his team. Keep pressing @Andrew_Vorhees
The fight isn’t over when you’re knocked down.
It’s only over when you give up.
If you make the decision to stand up again, you will win the battle.
✌️Keep fighting! https://t.co/2HQ5LtI94l— Brian Odom (@CoachBOdom) March 7, 2023
Signs of a real competitor –
Proud of you and your resilience, @Andrew_Vorhees! 💪#Keep fighting✌️ https://t.co/jIqQlT5D1d
— Anne Hanson (@AnnieHanson_) March 6, 2023
Complete player, student, leader, husband. loved working with @Andrew_Vorhees last year. Sky is the limit for this young man! #Keep fighting✌️#USCSoccer https://t.co/2XGdifGYXh
— Clark Stroud (@TheClarkeStroud) March 7, 2023
ANSWER.
No matter what happens, react correctly and attack.@Andrew_Vorhees show what it means to keep fighting!
All the players out there wondering what we’re looking for… watch the clip!#Keep fighting https://t.co/wybOJlZpR4
– Coach Zach Hanson (@CoachZachHanson) March 6, 2023