Cards’ Anderson happy to be alive
By Darren Urban, Tribune
Damien Anderson will be working out with the Cardinals in March when players first return to the field, an amazing development for the running back who nearly died in a Jan. 3 sport utility vehicle accident.
"I’m just sore now," the Cards’ backup running back said Wednesday. "It’s a gradual process. As an athlete you want to be aggressive in your recovery but you also need to be careful."
Anderson added that the accident — which forced his spleen to be removed and caused liver damage and a fractured eye socket — will not affect his football career. Right now, he said, he is resting and avoiding any abdominal exercises after his surgeries, realizing he is lucky to be alive.
"The nurses told me they don’t see too many recovery cases from that (type of accident)," Anderson said.
Two of Anderson’s brothers were also in the car. One is home with Anderson, the other is still recovering in a hospital, but Anderson said both will be fine.
Anderson said he remembers nothing about the night he almost died.
The accident remains under investigation, and Anderson said he has been advised not to talk about the possible legal ramifications. Police said at the time of the accident that Anderson could face drunken driving and assault charges.
"I can’t talk about it," Anderson said. "To be honest, I don’t really know."
Anderson said the Cardinals, from vice presidents Michael Bidwill to Rod Graves to trainer John Omohundro to new coach Dennis Green to the players, have all been supportive.
"I’m just so happy I’m here," Anderson said.
By Darren Urban, Tribune
Damien Anderson will be working out with the Cardinals in March when players first return to the field, an amazing development for the running back who nearly died in a Jan. 3 sport utility vehicle accident.
"I’m just sore now," the Cards’ backup running back said Wednesday. "It’s a gradual process. As an athlete you want to be aggressive in your recovery but you also need to be careful."
Anderson added that the accident — which forced his spleen to be removed and caused liver damage and a fractured eye socket — will not affect his football career. Right now, he said, he is resting and avoiding any abdominal exercises after his surgeries, realizing he is lucky to be alive.
"The nurses told me they don’t see too many recovery cases from that (type of accident)," Anderson said.
Two of Anderson’s brothers were also in the car. One is home with Anderson, the other is still recovering in a hospital, but Anderson said both will be fine.
Anderson said he remembers nothing about the night he almost died.
The accident remains under investigation, and Anderson said he has been advised not to talk about the possible legal ramifications. Police said at the time of the accident that Anderson could face drunken driving and assault charges.
"I can’t talk about it," Anderson said. "To be honest, I don’t really know."
Anderson said the Cardinals, from vice presidents Michael Bidwill to Rod Graves to trainer John Omohundro to new coach Dennis Green to the players, have all been supportive.
"I’m just so happy I’m here," Anderson said.
