A week later, it hits Decker: 'It's over'

The Gophers senior receiver has come to terms that his prolific college career has ended, as he prepares for surgery this week and a nine-month rehabilitation to follow.

By KENT YOUNGBLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: November 1, 2009 - 12:47 AM

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The first few days after Eric Decker was hurt, there was enough to do, so many decisions to make, a surgeon to pick, that he didn't have time to reflect on what his injured left foot really meant.

Once all that was decided, once Decker really started to reflect, it hit him, harder than any defensive back ever has.

"I realized, 'It's over,' '' Decker said Saturday night, an hour before the Gophers played host to Michigan State at TCF Bank Stadium.

Decker, by most statistical measures the most prolific receiver in Gophers history, will have surgery on his left foot Wednesday. It will be performed in Charlotte, N.C., by Dr. Robert Anderson, a highly regarded foot and ankle specialist. Recovery time is expected to be eight to nine months.

Decker will have surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury in the foot suffered on a first-quarter reception last week at Ohio State. He tore the ligament that held his big toe and the one next to it together, and he also tore a tendon that runs outside the big toe.

Initial X-rays and MRI scans didn't show the extent of the injury. It wasn't until he was tested while putting weight on the foot that it was revealed.

"It's tough," Decker said. "You never want to end your career this way. But I believe things happen for a reason. I think it's going to test my character, test my patience. I never had this much time off from sports before. I have great fans, great family, great support, and I think it's going to make me appreciate what I've had."

That's not to say it won't be tough. He was at practice Tuesday, but could only stay there for 10 or 15 minutes before he had to leave. "I didn't want to get too emotional," he said.

In an effort to understand what it's like to come back from this surgery, Decker talked with Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Stokley, who had a similar procedure done in 2002.

"He said it's going to be a long road ahead of me," Decker said. "I've got to take it. It's a new challenge for me, a new beginning I like to say. It will probably be eight months until I feel comfortable running. That's a long time for me."

It's long enough that Decker won't be able to run, play or work out for scouts before next April's NFL draft. How much that will hurt his draft stock is not yet known. For Decker, the process starts with surgery, continues with rehab. Then he's got to find an agent to sell him to NFL teams then sell himself when he gets the chance.

"Hopefully my film shows enough for the teams," Decker said. "I'll have someone who is able to see me well enough. ... As long as I get the opportunity, that's all I can ask for. If this hurts me? So be it. It's not where you begin, but where you end."

As for his decision to stick with football over baseball? That falls under the category of no regrets. He would make the same decision again, he said. Football is where his heart is.

And it is still with the Gophers. Decker met with his teammates Thursday.

"I wanted to let them know how much I appreciated them," Decker said, "how much I enjoyed my experience here. I let them know I'm just one player."

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