Lindsey Vonn and Hines didn't need an ACL

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Apparently the accident had nothing to do with the recent ACL injury

https://hotair.com/headlines/2026/02/10 ... e-n3811692

Athletes Who Excelled Without an ACL:

Mickey Mantle: Baseball legend Mickey Mantle tore his ACL during a World Series game in his rookie season in 1951. Due to the time frame, ACL surgery was not commonplace, so he was forced to rehabilitate the knee conservatively. The man nicknamed: “The fastest player to first base” managed to carve out a legendary Hall of Fame career spanning 18 seasons, all without his right ACL.

John Elway: Legendary NFL quarterback John Elway tore his ACL back in high school. He went the non-surgical route and carved out a Hall of Fame career winning two Super Bowls. Equally impressive, he missed a total of 9 games due to injury during his 15 year career.

Jimmy Hitchcock: NFL cornerback Jimmy Hitchcock played his entire career without an ACL in either leg. He opted out of surgery after tearing both ACLs in high school. The respected defender went on to play 8 NFL seasons, leading the league in interceptions in 1998.

DeJuan Blair: The 6ft 7in power forward tore both of his ACL’s during his high school basketball days. He had surgery to try and repair the ligaments however they didn’t take and later investigation confirmed he was without either ACL. The former Spur went on to play a 450 game NBA career without an ACL in either leg.

Hines Ward: Two-time Super Bowl champion Hines Ward played 217 NFL games as a wide receiver without an ACL in his left knee. Fun fact, Hines found out he had a torn ACL during his NFL combine when they tested his knee laxity. Despite advice to get it repaired, the future Superbowl MVP decided to continue his career status quo. Evenly impressive, he completed an Ironman triathlon post-retirement.

Joe Namath:“Broadway Joe” Namath tore his ACL during his college years at the University of Alabama. Despite opting for a non-surgical, conservative approach, Namath led his team to a national championship and secured his spot as a promising NFL prospect. During his NFL career Namath opted for surgery but his college accolades were achieved sans ACL.

[Deebo]

I understand that her accident wasn't DIRECTLY related to the ACL injury, but you can't tell me it didn't have a tertiary effect. She likely overcompensated due to the injury and clipped the gate. How many times has she ever done that prior to her that recent injury?

I totally get her stance as an extremely competitive person to give it 1 more shot, but she's cooked now.

[.Kodiak]

Wow, nice to see Hines get some recognition. Would not have expected that. Author either really did their homework or, more likely, is a PIT fan.

[SteelPro]

I understand that her accident wasn't DIRECTLY related to the ACL injury, but you can't tell me it didn't have a tertiary effect. She likely overcompensated due to the injury and clipped the gate. How many times has she ever done that prior to her that recent injury?

I totally get her stance as an extremely competitive person to give it 1 more shot, but she's cooked now.

She is 41 year old woman that been on the skiing circuit for 20+ years. She was already cooked. These games were almost guaranteed to be her last competitive runs no matter the outcomes.

[bradshaw2ben]

I understand that her accident wasn't DIRECTLY related to the ACL injury, but you can't tell me it didn't have a tertiary effect. She likely overcompensated due to the injury and clipped the gate. How many times has she ever done that prior to her that recent injury?

I totally get her stance as an extremely competitive person to give it 1 more shot, but she's cooked now.

She is 41 year old woman that been on the skiing circuit for 20+ years. She was already cooked. These games were almost guaranteed to be her last competitive runs no matter the outcomes.

I'd wonder if the compromised ACL contributed to her triple fracture in her leg. Without the knee stability/resistance it might have bent awkwardly.

[Ice]

Loved watching The Blair at Pitt. Memories.

[DumlinBumlinStumlin]

I understand that her accident wasn't DIRECTLY related to the ACL injury, but you can't tell me it didn't have a tertiary effect. She likely overcompensated due to the injury and clipped the gate. How many times has she ever done that prior to her that recent injury?

I totally get her stance as an extremely competitive person to give it 1 more shot, but she's cooked now.

She is 41 year old woman that been on the skiing circuit for 20+ years. She was already cooked. These games were almost guaranteed to be her last competitive runs no matter the outcomes.

Win or crash……..