A Devastating Setback for a Rising Star
In the opening game of the 2024 season against Minnesota, North Carolina quarterback Max Johnson suffered a catastrophic injury that would sideline him for the entire year. The injury, a broken femur in his right leg, was so severe that Johnson initially feared he might lose his leg. The incident occurred during the second half of the Tar Heels' season opener, and he was carted off the field, later undergoing successful surgery in Minneapolis.
Johnson's ordeal didn't end with the initial surgery. He revealed that he endured five surgeries in total to address the injury, a process that tested his physical and emotional limits. 'I was holding my leg in place to keep the bone from moving,' Johnson recounted, describing the harrowing moments after the injury.
Resilience and Recovery Under New Leadership
Despite the severity of his injury, Johnson's determination to return to the field never wavered. Now entering his sixth year of college football, he has been cleared for action and is competing for the starting quarterback position at UNC under the new era of coach Bill Belichick. 'I'm fully recovered now, 100%,' Johnson stated, signaling his readiness to reclaim his spot on the team.
The recovery process was grueling, with Johnson unable to walk until October of last year and relying on his parents for basic care during the early stages of rehabilitation. Posts found on X highlight the admiration from Tar Heel fans for his perseverance, noting how close he came to amputation and how far he's progressed to return to practice.
Johnson leaned heavily on faith and family throughout his recovery, a journey that has inspired many within the UNC community. His return to fall camp marks a significant milestone, not just for him personally, but for a program looking to build momentum under fresh leadership.
NFL Dreams Still Alive Despite Challenges
As the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson, Max carries a legacy of professional football aspirations. Even after missing an entire season, his focus remains on playing his way into the NFL draft. 'I feel I have a lot of football left in me, and I know I will be back out there,' Johnson affirmed shortly after announcing his intent to return for the 2025 season.
Competing for the starting role at UNC offers Johnson a critical opportunity to showcase his skills to NFL scouts. With two years of eligibility remaining due to a medical redshirt for 2024, he has time to rebuild his draft stock. His story of resilience and grit continues to resonate, as he aims to turn a devastating setback into a triumphant comeback.