‘Inspiration to all of us’ – Broken kneecap never stopped Jaguars Gaige Hurley

ANDOVER, Kan. (KSNW) — Andover Central football is preparing for the upcoming season , hoping to make another deep playoff run.

Senior tight end and defensive lineman Gaige Hurley has played a crucial role on the team. His selfless mindset guides his game.

“I’m not just playing for myself; I’m playing for my boys. You know, I mean, it’s a team sport,” said Hurley.

It’s a mindset he’s needed while battling injury.

“Sophomore year, I ended up hyperextended my patella. I played sophomore season on. I stretched out real bad. It dislocated it a couple times,” he explained.

After his sophomore season, Hurley underwent surgery to fix his knee. But after a couple of months, a bigger problem emerged. Strain from playing football caused his kneecap to crack. The issue went undetected.

“It was a pain,” said Hurley, “I kept asking my doctor what was wrong, and he told me it was a bruised bone. [They] took X-rays… missed it on X-rays. I’m not salty about that. Things happened. I get that.”

Despite the pain, Hurley played every game in the 2023 season, including the state championship.

“My kneecap was split in half and I should have even been walking, let alone playing. He said my nerves were shot. My bone was dead in my knee,” he said.

After another surgery to put his kneecap back together, doctors told Hurley he had a 14 percent chance of ever playing football again. He’s already beating those odds.

“What he’s gone through takes a tremendous amount of mental toughness just because of the P.T. and all the uphill battles that takes coming out of surgery. He’s a very determined kid. And I think he’s an inspiration to a lot of us,” said Jaguars head football coach Derek Tuttle.

Hurley is now ready to fill a vital role on defense. Kyle Newsom graduated after the 2023 season and led the Jaguars in tackles for loss.

“Big, big shoes to fill,” said Hurley, “But I think I can do it. I’m healthy, so I’m ready to do some damage on that front line this year.”

“I think he’ll surprise some people. You know, I think he’s probably in better shape than I’ve ever seen him. He’s really had a great offseason, and I expect he’ll have a great year,” said Tuttle.

The Jaguars open the 2024 season at Hutchinson on Friday, Sept. 6. Kick-off is set for 7 p.m.

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