When is a concussion a good thing? When you’re Jeff Borchardt and you’re suspected of having one, as it turns out.
Borchardt is a walk-on wide receiver at Minnesota. During spring practice this year, Borchardt sustained what was believed to be a concussion as he attempted to make a leaping catch.
As part of the football program’s concussion protocol, Borchardt underwent medical tests and, well, it turns out that a potential concussion was the least of the player’s worries. From the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:He was given a CT-Scan at the hospital and cleared for any of the usual concerns with a head injury – no skull fracture, no internal bleeding.
The doctors, however, did see one abnormality that had them concerned. They ordered a dye-induced MRI. Later that same night, the family received the news. Borchardt, 20, had a brain tumor.
Borchardt, who played in three games last season, underwent surgery last week to remove the tumor. His father stated that the procedure was a complete success.
After taking off the 2015 season, and after what the dad described as “just a hiccup in the road,” Borchardt hopes to play for the Gophers in 2016.
(Photo credit: Minnesota athletics)