Science of a Sports Injury – Ryan Powdrell. Viewer discretion is advised.

It was the snap heard ’round the world.

FSN has been putting together some interesting TV segments on the science of sports. This segment, FSN Sport Science – Field Warriors is based on former USC fullback Ryan Powdrell. Yes, that Ryan Powdrell. If you weren’t at the coliseum or watching the USC-Nebraska game in 2006, I must warn you, the content is graphic and some viewers may find it disturbing.

Having red-shirted his first year following a transfer from Saddleback Community College, linebacker Ryan Powdrell was ready to get back into the game. But with national championship depth on the the 2005 roster, Powdrell was forced back to reserve-linebacker and limited appearances on special teams. Then in 2006, Powdrell’s senior year, the coaches decided to switch it up a little. The same speed, frame and tackling/blocking ability that made him a standout linebacker in junior college, also made Powdrell a viable option at fullback. And it was clear in the season opener at Arkansas, that Powdrell’s size and soft hands made his move to fullback a good one. In the 4th quarter Booty hit Powdrell for 43 and 23 yard completions, not to mention a one yard touchdown pass.

One game later, it all came tumbling down.

“I looked down at my ankle and it’s turned around the wrong way. And I’m freaking out.”
-Ryan Powdrell

It was a sunny Saturday at the Coliseum. The #4 USC Trojans were playing the #19 Nebraska Cornhuskers, and the hype was unimaginable. So were the events about to unfold… Not two minutes into the game, Powdrell took a hand-off from John David Booty. Powdrell tried to take it up the left side. But the defensive end grabbed him from behind, yanking Powdrell down backwards. In the tackle Powdrell’s foot got caught beneath him, resulting in one of the gnarliest sports injuries I have ever seen.

(it’s in the video)

The ultimate example of what it means to “Fight On”, Powdrell was drafted by the Green Bay Packers as a free agent in 2007, where he remains on active roster today.