Earlier this week, West Virginia head coach Neal Brown said tight end Mike O’Laughlin will be out for the rest of the season with his third knee injury.
O’Laughlin came to West Virginia in 2018, and that is when he first injured the ACL in his left knee.
“Unfortunately I suffered an ACL injury on my left knee during my first practice in 2018,” O’Laughlin’s statement read. “So I went to work… just like all the hard working people of this state and community.”
O’Laughlin would return to action in 2019 and 2020, starting 13 games over those two years. In that span, he would 21 catches, for 161 yards and a touchdown. O’Laughlin would unfortunately tear his ACL in his left knee again last season.
“Last October vs TCU I got rolled up by a linebacker while blocking, same left knee” O’Laughlin said. “I got braced up and went back in the next series to finish the game and secure the [win]. The next day it was confirmed I had torn my ACL/MCL on the previous series.”
O’Laughlin’s resilience would be shown all throughout the past 12 months. He fought to get back for the Pitt game and he accomplished that goal.
“Devastated, I went back to work with a goal of suiting up against Pitt,” O’Laughlin said. “I know what this team means to the state and I know what this state means to this team.”
On Oct. 1 against Texas, O’Laughlin would injure the knee for a third time.
“October 1, in Austin, Texas, I was honored with carrying out the West Virginia flag on to the field against the Longhorns,” O’Laughlin said. “As I ran out onto the field vs Texas, I didn’t know it may be my last. I once again tore my ACL on a freak play in the first quarter.”
O’Laughlin would finish this year with five catches for 66 yards.
“I had so much more to give, but it seems I am running out of chances to show you,” he said. “To my teammates, thank you guys for believing in me even through my injuries. You guys having my back means the world to me and I know you’ll go on to show them how great we can be.”
O’Laughlin said his football future is up in the air, and gave his thanks to Mountaineer fans.
“I have not yet made a decision on whether I will continue to play, or hang up the cleats,” O’Laughlin said. “This game is beautiful, yet brutal. Keep that in mind as you cheer for your Mountaineers and cherish every time we get to join together and sing, “Take Me Home Country Roads! I appreciate you Mountaineer Nation and thank you for the cheers and support.”
Photo by Aaron Parker, Blue Gold Sports
