BEREA, Ohio (AP) -Cleveland Browns cornerback Gary Baxter wouldn’t go into details about his rehabilitation from two serious knee injuries or a timetable for return, but he did reveal his plan.
To make history.
Baxter tore both patellar tendons on Oct. 22 against Denver. He had surgery two days later and took his first step two days before Christmas. Less than six months later, he’s walking normally and dreaming of playing on Sept. 9 when the Browns open the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“That is the plan, from Day One,” he said Thursday at mini-camp. “Will it happen? I don’t know, who knows. Only God and time will tell. If it happens I would be the happiest person in life, to know that I’ve beat one of the biggest battles because nobody has done it.”
Tearing both patellar tendons is extremely rare, and Baxter’s career was thought to be over. He was in the hospital for two months after the surgery and needed a walker when he left.
“I am very strong in both knees at this time, where nobody expected me to be,” he said.
Baxter signed a six-year, $30 million contract with the Browns in 2005 but has been limited to eight games by injuries. He wouldn’t tell reporters if he’d be able to participate when training camp opens July 27.
“I have to leave your curiosity for training camp,” he said. “I’m ahead of schedule. We’re doing some special things and it’s good to be part of history.”
The 28-year-old didn’t participate in the three-day minicamp that concluded Thursday. He said he rehabs for five hours a day, and the workouts are so strenuous he needs a three-hour nap when he’s finished.
Coach Romeo Crennel said Tuesday Baxter’s jogging but hasn’t done any cutting or planting.
Baxter wouldn’t reveal what he can or can’t do, but said he has not experienced any setbacks.
“I will say this, the response I get from doctors is, ‘You did what?’ and, ‘You’re doing this? Wow!”’ Baxter said. “I’m pushing the limits to science and medicine. Everything I can do I am doing and I have all my chips in and the results have been spectacular.
“Things couldn’t be better in Gary Baxter world. The great thing about this story is that it’s the biggest challenge in my life so far and I’m conquering it.”
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