Bigger than Football: Dante Love

Ball State receiver Dante Love is expected to "live a normal and happy life" according to a statement released by the university, but he probably won't ever play football again.
Love suffered a cervical spine fracture and a spinal cord injury during the first quarter of Saturday's game against Indiana. Love was injured when Indiana cornerback Chris Adkins hit Love helmet-to-helmet after Love made a short catch. Love entered Saturday's game as the nation's leader in receiving yards per game at 144.3. He also was ranked second in all-purpose running.

Love, who was the Cardinals' most versatile player, finishes his career ranked second in school history in receptions (199), yards receiving (2,778) and is tied for fourth in TD receptions (20). Love also holds the Ball State record for kickoff-return yards in a career (2,129) and is tied with Dante Ridgeway for the most 100-yard games in school history (11).

Love is expected to make a full recovery after a five-hour surgery this weekend but the doctors prognosis is that he will never play football again.

This is just a sad and unfortunate injury for the nations best wide receiver, from a statistical standpoint. So often we focus on the game of football and not the game of life. Dante Love’s freak injury is a part of football that is rarely seen. The Dante Love’s and Kevin Everett’s of the world will be publicized for a few short moments then their memories will fade away but the wounds remain open. Love was stripped of the opportunity of a sure fire NFL career and his body of work on the field earned him that right up until his injury against Indiana Saturday night. Love’s legacy at Ball State will live on through not only what he did on the field for the cardinals but also what he will do once he makes a full recovery from his injury, even though his playing days are over. Every time a player takes the field he risks horrific injury. Spectators need to understand what is on the line every time they watch their favorite sport. Dante Love will be in the thoughts and prayers of many all across this country including the staff here at 6MAG.



Sincerely, Claude Clayborne Jr.