Following neck surgery that forced him to sit out the start of the 2021 season, veteran wideout T.Y. Hilton briefly considered hanging up his cleats, according to Zak Keefer of The Athletic.
“The first two days out of surgery, I didn’t think I’d be back, man, to be honest with you,” Hilton said, via Akeem Giaspie of the Indianapolis Star. “It was just painful. It was very painful. I hope nobody has to go through that at all. It sucks, especially not being able to play the game that I love after being in training camp so long with my team grinding and being so happy. God is good.”
The receiver acknowledged that he talked with former teammate Andrew Luck, who decided to retire after only seven years in the NFL.
“I talked to Andrew, that was probably the wrong thing to do. (Luck) just wanted me to be good with it, get back healthy and don’t rush it. … He was a big supporter. My family just continued to check on me, so I was good once I got over those two to three days I started feeling better.”
Hilton has established himself as one of the greatest receivers in Colts history. In nine seasons with the organization, Hilton has hauled in 608 receptions for 9,360 yards and 50 touchdowns. The 31-year-old returned to practice Wednesday, starting his 21-day IR-return clock.
The Colts placed Hilton on IR before Week 1, and he underwent surgery after suffering a neck injury in practice. Hilton will be eligible to play Sunday against the Texans. While the Colts could slow-play his return, they are 1-4 and need as many weapons as possible in the near future.
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