Many will think about Thursday night's Seattle Seahawks preseason opener and not think much of it. But for linebacker Ben Burr-Kirven, it was more than just a game.
Burr-Kirven, 25, made his first appearance for the Seahawks after sitting out for two years due to injuries. He tore his ACL in 2021, which led to nerve damage that had some doctors telling him he wouldn't play football again.
“It’s a huge moment when you don’t play football for two years and get told you will never play again," Burr-Kirven said. "To be out there today was a pretty special experience.”
Burr-Kirven recorded one tackle in the Seahawks' 24-13 win against the Minnesota Vikings. He was also named the captain for the preseason opener and many teammates have looked at him as a source of inspiration.
"He was out there banging away," coach Pete Carroll said. "It's just heartwarming to see this story. If you ever would have seen how hard he had to work to get back, how much he overcame, so few people do what he did. He just never, ever wavered that he was going to get back. ... He did a great job tonight."
It will be a challenge for Burr-Kirven to make the 53-man roster out of training camp with a crowded linebacker room, but he could wind up on the practice squad and be part of the organization moving forward. It would certainly help having his presence around during the season.
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