Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford announced on
Sunday he will have season-ending shoulder surgery on Wednesday.
Bradford also added he was "up to the challenge" of entering the NFL Draft
next April if his recovery goes as anticipated.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was knocked out of the first game of the
season with a sprained shoulder joint and missed three full contests before
returning against Baylor on October 10.
He threw for 389 yards and a touchdown in a 33-7 rout over the Bears but
reinjured the shoulder after being sacked in the first quarter against Texas
the following week, which figures to be the final snap he has taken for the
Sooners.
"I dreamed about coming to Oklahoma my whole life," Bradford said. "That's the
reason I came back for this season. And I came back to play, not sit on the
bench. That's the reason I tried to play after the injury. I'm very
disappointed that it didn't work out differently."
Bradford was expected to be one of the top picks taken had he decided to enter
the 2009 NFL Draft. But the QB opted to come back as a redshirt junior for a
chance at a national championship that was derailed after a loss to BYU to
start the season.
In 2008, Bradford passed for 4,720 yards with a nation-best 50 touchdowns and
just eight interceptions to take home college football's most prestigious
honor. In limited action this year, he connected on 39-of-69 throws for 562
yards with a pair of TDs.
He currently holds 15 school records, including career yards (8,403) and
touchdown passes (88).
"We want Sam to pursue the best option for his recovery and future," Sooners
head coach Bob Stoops said. "Sam has led us to two Big 12 championships and an
appearance in the national title game, and has demonstrated uncommon
leadership skills. He is an absolute role model as a student-athlete and loyal
teammate."
Dr. James Andrews will perform the operation in Birmingham, Alabama.
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