How George Kittle beat the odds to return from a torn Achilles

A rapid recovery

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle suffered a torn right Achilles during a playoff win over the Philadelphia Eagles on January 11. Most players take up to a year to recover from this injury. A study from Michigan State University even showed that nearly 20 percent of players with this injury never play again.

But the 32 year old tight end was determined to be ready for Week 1. Just three days after the injury, he underwent surgery performed by Dr. Neil ElAttrache on January 14. Kittle immediately asked if he could make a planned golf trip in eight weeks and be back for the season opener. The doctor told him it was possible if he followed instructions perfectly.

Daily grind and special tools

Kittle spent the next eight months doing intense, tedious rehab. He worked with physical therapists Heather Milligan in Los Angeles and Jorge Rojas in Nashville. To keep his legs balanced, Kittle performed exercises like single leg heel raises and picking up marbles or towels with his toes for up to two hours every day.

He also used a blood flow restriction band twice a day. This tool cuts off blood flow to the muscles to trick the brain into thinking it is lifting heavier weights. While most patients use it a few times a week, Kittle used it daily to speed up his recovery.

His dedication paid off. By May, he was running on an anti gravity treadmill. Soon after, he was running on his home field in Nashville at 15 miles per hour. Kittle said he enjoyed proving people wrong. "It is fun to be doubted," Kittle said. "When you see me Week 1, you can kick rocks."

Back on the field

Only 27.1 percent of NFL players return to their pre injury performance levels after a ruptured Achilles. Kittle seems to be part of that small group.

After shaking off some rust in the opening game, Kittle has been dominant. Over the last two weeks, he has caught 10 passes for 162 yards and scored three touchdowns. This is the second most receiving yards among all tight ends in that period.