Denver Broncos wide receiver K.J. Hamler battled adversity beyond ACL injury

Jun 6, 2022; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler (1) during OTA workouts at the UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2022; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler (1) during OTA workouts at the UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos wide receiver K.J. Hamler battled adversity beyond rehabbing his torn ACL this offseason.

Denver Broncos wide receiver K.J. Hamler has been rehabbing an ACL injury since last season, and things appear to be coming along in his recovery.

While he did talk about it a little bit, things got way more serious in the interview.

Hamler showed a different side of himself in Monday’s press conference. It was a truly touching thing to witness him talking about the battles he went through.

One thing that people might forget or just put aside is the fact that these players are human beings, too. They all have feelings and emotions. They all have battles beyond the game of football.

Hamler was vocal about his struggles, which began with the ACL tear but continued in his personal life with the loss of his grandmother. He acknowledged that he is in therapy—something that I feel not many people like to admit. As someone who has participated in therapy, I will say that there is nothing to be ashamed of.

"It’s been a tough journey to be honest. There was just so much I was dealing with being piled up on top of each other. At one point, dealing with the ACL and little bit of more things, family situations.KJ Hamler (via Broncos live press conference)"

Hamler expressing his difficulties to the media is a really big step for him and as he mentioned in his press conference, he’s feeling much more comfortable about being open about his struggles over the last year.

This is an instance where I just want to state the importance of being respectful to and about everybody. You just never know what they are going through in their lives.

Whether it’s to a professional athlete, a friend, or especially your own family, being respectful and being there for them goes a long way.

Being on the Denver Broncos around some people that are there for each other is a great thing for Hamler and everybody else. Being around a group of people you love and are comfortable with is truly an important part of getting through the tough times in your life.

I love that Hamler stressed this on Monday.

For the entire media session with Hamler, click here. I highly recommend it.