Newman’s long road back

Linebacker missed 2014 with gruesome leg, ankle injuries

By: Ed Tait Posted: 3:00 AM CDT Wednesday, Jun. 3, 2015

Graig NEWMAN isn't shy about it: He'd jump through fiery hoops and wrestle alligators if it meant he could be one of the Bombers starting linebackers.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*Billed as $4.00 plus GST every four weeks. After 24 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

Graig NEWMAN isn't shy about it: He'd jump through fiery hoops and wrestle alligators if it meant he could be one of the Bombers starting linebackers.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/06/2015 (3759 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Graig NEWMAN isn’t shy about it: He’d jump through fiery hoops and wrestle alligators if it meant he could be one of the Bombers starting linebackers.

Still, the mere fact he is even on the football field again after suffering a nasty injury this time last year — which robbed him of his entire 2014 campaign — is a tribute to his perseverance.

During a pre-season game last June, Newman suffered a spiral fracture to his fibula and a dislocated ankle.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Graig Newman rehabbed every day for six months in order to be on the field for training camp in 2015. — BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Graig Newman rehabbed every day for six months in order to be on the field for training camp in 2015.

And — POOF! — gone was a whole campaign in what is usually a short career span in this violent game.

“It was just a freak accident,” recalled Newman after Day 3 of Bomber camp.

“I didn’t see it coming, it happened from behind me. I was just doing my job making my block on a punt return and the pile ended up on my leg. It happens in football. It was pretty gruesome.

“The hardest part has been the ankle part.

“Bones heal strong, but the ankle, you really have to work on it day by day to get the mobility and strength back. Even 12 months later I’m still working on that.”

A healthy Newman gives the Bombers so many potential options on defence as part of a much deeper Canadian talent pool. And what Newman learned during his recovery isn’t that he missed the physical component to the game, but how mentally tough he is, too.

“I had the cast on for six weeks, crutches for three months and after three months, I was still walking in a boot, gingerly making my way around the stadium,” said Newman.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Graig Newman prepares to scoop up a loose ball during Tuesday's workout. — BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Graig Newman prepares to scoop up a loose ball during Tuesday's workout.

“I guess the good side of it, if there is one, is that it happened in the pre-season and I got to work with (Bombers head athletic therapist) Al (Couture) the whole year. I got lucky, I got rehab every single day for six months.

“I’m here now and it’s great to be out there battling again.”

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @WFPEdTait