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The Achilles tendon is crucial for explosive actions like running and jumping, which makes it especially vulnerable in elite sports. Even though this tendon is strong, Achilles injuries, most notably ruptures, remain common and often cause major setbacks for professional athletes. Sports such as football, basketball, and tennis demand repeated, high-intensity movements, putting immense stress on the tendon.
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The challenges don’t stop at physical healing. Returning from an Achilles rupture also means overcoming mental hurdles and often adapting one’s game. Research shows that athletes typically see a decline in performance after this injury. For example, NFL players often experience less playing time and a dip in production for at least two seasons post-injury, while NBA players see roughly a 30% reduction in minutes played.
A recent example is NBA star Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a torn Achilles during the NBA Finals. His injury immediately changed the course of the series and underscored how devastating these injuries can be, even at the highest level and in the season’s most critical moments. Other high-profile cases include Jayson Tatum, Dan Marino, and Kobe Bryant’s Achilles rupture late in his career.
Here are some of the best athletes in major sports who suffered an Achilles tendon tear and their careers afterward.