Another comeback in the works for Wyoming QB Sean Chambers
LARAMIE, Wyo. (BVM) – Before the 2020 season had even begun, it was over for Wyoming quarterback Sean Chambers. Three plays into the Cowboys’ first game, an injury to his left fibula sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Wyoming went on to fall to Nevada in that game in overtime, 37-34, without its starter.
Chambers missed the remainder of the eight-game shortened season and instead had to root for his team from the bench, something that he has never enjoyed.
“I will always cheer for my team, but I want to be out there playing,” Chambers said. “It’s the competitiveness in me.”
Being on the sideline isn’t a new circumstance for the quarterback as he has missed games every season since 2018, his true freshman season. He’s dealt with a broken fibula and torn ligaments in his knee since coming to Wyoming.
When the latest injury occurred, Chambers knew something was wrong. The pain and feeling of the fracture were very similar to the past break of his fibula.
“I knew I wouldn’t be able to put any weight on it, so I just didn’t get up,” he said.
He was carted off the field in Reno, Nevada on Oct. 26. But February brought more hope for the quarterback when he was cleared for some on-field activities and had begun practicing with the team again.
“The [rehabilitation] process is almost over, and I can’t wait,” Chambers said.
Chambers has been running and lifting with his teammates since spring practices have begun.
“It’s my first spring practicing here [in Laramie], and it’s an amazing feeling to be back out there,” Chambers said.
The journey back from the injury wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for Chambers. He believed that this was one of the hardest processes he’s been through.
“It put me into a really dark place, not being able to play at all or be there for my team,” Chambers recalled. “My roommates, family and teammates really helped me get through it all, pulling me out of the dark spot in my life.”
While being a tough experience for the 6-foot-3 QB, it wasn’t like he hadn’t gone through struggles before.
“I’ve faced adversity before, so it’s not like I’m new to this,” he said. “What really helped me this time was just thinking about how it was another chapter in my life and I had to face this adversity.”
On the bright side, the injury occurred during the COVID-19 shortened season of 2020. The eligibility rules for the season are very different.
According to the NCAA board of directors, they extended the eligibility of all student-athletes in the seasons that were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This means the season can’t be counted against Chambers despite already using his redshirt in 2018.
“I never thought of it in terms of my eligibility,” Chambers said. “It’s a nice thing that I didn’t lose out on a year, but I just wanted to be out there playing with my teammates.”
Having three straight seasons where he has missed games due to injury, Chambers had a plan heading into the 2020 season and that hasn’t changed.
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“I already planned on avoiding hits, getting out of bounds and sliding down,” he said. “I’m going to continue to try and go forward with that plan.”
Wyoming injuries weren’t exclusive to Chambers this past season as backup quarterback Levi Williams also missed plays. The Cowboys hope that won’t be a recurring problem for their quarterbacks during the 2021 season.
“We just need to play smart and avoid the hits,” he said. “I guess passing more could help that,” Chambers added chuckling.
The 2021 season schedule was announced for the Cowboys with their first game to be held Sept. 4 as Montana State comes to Laramie. That date can’t come fast enough for Chambers.
“I’m so excited for the season to start, so excited I can’t sleep sometimes if I’m thinking about it,” Chambers said. “I haven’t been able to play a true season since 2019 and I just want to be back out there.”
Chambers also hopes that the 2021 season will be back to normal, especially in Laramie.
“I want to be back in the War [Memorial Stadium], I want to hear the fans and play in front of them again,” he said.
For Chambers, the injury and process of rehab have been a ride he wishes he could’ve avoided, but it has given him a new appreciation for the sport.
“I appreciate every game and every play,” Chambers said. “You never know when it’ll be your last play.”
