Considering that doctors once were concerned whether he would ever walk again, Woods' participation in every wide receiver drill at Oklahoma State's first spring football practice was another step in his remarkable comeback story.
"It's nice to see him out there,” coach Mike Gundy said. "He's come a long way. It's a tribute to him and his attitude and his perseverance.”
Woods suffered a vertebrae injury during a routine weight-lifting session last summer. With a 185-pound bar on his shoulders, Woods' ankle rolled. When he landed on the ground, bent over, the weight dislocated his spine.
Once doctors at Stillwater Medical Center determined the severity of the injury, Woods was flown by helicopter to Mercy Healthy Center in Oklahoma City. He had no feeling in his legs. During a three-hour surgery, doctors repaired a fractured vertebrae.
Eight months later, Woods is back on the football field. Doctors and coaches are optimistic that Woods will play Aug. 30, in the season opener against Washington State.
"We're just trying to take it a step at a time,” Gundy said. "Hopefully, it will all come true for him.”
Woods was projected to be a starter after he hauled in four receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns in last year's spring game.
The freak weight-room accident last July changed everything.
Woods lost 22 pounds. He wore a back brace for three months. His right thigh, the area most affected by the damage to his spinal cord, was the same size as his calf. Through it all, Woods vowed he would play again.
A green jersey in practice signifies no contact. The jerseys are usually worn by quarterbacks, who are off limits to defensive players. Woods will be held out of contact drills all spring but is expected to be released for all football activities in June.
"I think it's a tribute to technology, how far we've come, for people to repair an injury like that,” Gundy said. "It was a severe injury. I'm not so sure 10 years ago a guy could have come back from an injury like that.”
"Boy Roy" I am so sorry you didnt have parents that loved you enough to teach you any better. Hope you can grow in this area some day. Go Pokes TONIGHT....
Roy: You are likely sitting out there waiting for negative responses. Obviously you long for any type of attention due to your likely lack of athletic ability. The attention should go to the player overcoming an injury. GO POKES!!
Roy, that sound like one of those "pretend ou alumni" comments. let me guess, youre a huge ou fan, but the only time you've ever been on campus durig your life was for a football game? dousche.
amazing story.....the true sign of a Poke and the dedication of a great memeber of society...Artie I personally wish you the best in ALL you do as you without a doubt inspire many to go above and beyond
Go Artie!! We are pulling for you. Artie, you can use this experience as a leader for our football team to help the older and younger guys understand that your maximum effort is always a good things. You never know when your opportunity as a football player might be gone in an instant. There are no guarantees in life. Make sure the O-State football players and coaches understand, sometimes during your darkest moments come the opportunities which can mold you to become great if you take it with the right attitude.
Artrell Woods was back on the field on Monday as the Cowboys began spring practice. by MATT STRASEN, THE OKLAHOMAN
Artrell Woods went through rigorous physical therapy after suffering a back injury last summer. by MATT STRASEN, THE OKLAHOMAN
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OSU football notes 03/04/2008 Is this really spring? Oklahoma State's first spring football practice was supposed to be in shorts and helmets. Instead, it was sweats and helmets due to a...
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Boomer Sooner
Go Pokes!!! Beat the hillbillies!!