Football is a great game and many kids have had the opportunity to live out their dreams on Friday nights. For most of the kids, the memories the generate at the high school level sticks with them for a lifetime because the chances of playing at the next level are slim. With that said, there is more to life than high school football and Mutt Reck has been put in the unfortunate situation of coming to that realization way too early.
Flash back to 12 months ago. Mutt Reck was preparing for a breakout year as a middle linebacker for the Buccaneers. He had spent the off-season working his tail off to get stronger and faster so as he could be at his best. He had improved his strength dramatically and dropped his 40-time to about 4.7.
In the Buccs' season opener against Miami East, number 45 was all over the field recording 10 tackles, 5 solo and 1 for a loss. Mutt also made the play of the game with a fourth quarter interception that he returned for a 25-yard touchdown. He was well on his way to becoming one of the most dominating players in the area.
Then, against Twin Valley South, he was dominating again. He recorded 3 tackles, 3 solo tackles and another interception. In less than two games he recorded 13 tackles, 8 solo and 2 for a loss. He also grabbed 2 interceptions, 1 for a touchdown.
Late in the game, Mutt ran what appeared to be a routine play and lightning struck. He was hit directly on the knee which ended his career in a blink of an eye.
"I think the play was a counter," described Mutt. "I broke off tackle and lowered my head and got hit. I originally didn't think it was that bad when I took the hit. Once I tried to get up I knew I was hurt pretty bad."
His entire knee was pretty much torn up. The injury he had would pretty much end all hope of getting back on the field for most kids, but not Mutt.
Immediately Mutt began rehab in order to try and get healthy for this year. He went through months of painful physical therapy which required flexibility and strength training on his leg. He also hit the weights hard as evident by his boarder shoulders and larger biceps.
Fast forward to this summer. The Buccs were getting ready to enter practice and Mutt had his knee checked over by a doctor. The news he received wasn't what he wanted to hear. The dreaded word "SURGERY" was the conclusion. Again, in a blink of an eye, his football dreams ended once again.
But, it's another beginning for Mutt. There is much more to life than football and Mutt is taking it all in stride. Sure, he would love to be out there with his buddies laying out opposing running backs, but Mutt has accepted his situation with maturity beyond his years.
"My family and friends are what is important to me," commented Mutt. "The people who were there for me through this are what matters most to me. My family has been very supportive of me."
Although Mutt will not be on the field this year he has left us some great memories even though it was for a short time. When asked what he wanted to accomplish in football, Mutt didn't hesitate to answer; "I really wanted to be good so the younger kids would look up to me."
Mutt, you were!
