5 Famous Athletes Who Made Remarkable Comebacks After Foot Surgery
Foot injuries can sideline even the most elite athletes—but with expert care, surgery, and sheer determination, many have made impressive comebacks. Dr. John Paul Elton, a board-certified foot and ankle specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, shares five remarkable stories of athletes who beat the odds and returned to peak performance after foot surgery.
1. Patrick Mahomes – Quarterback Power Play
In early 2021, Patrick Mahomes underwent surgery to repair a torn plantar plate in his foot—a painful condition often called “turf toe.” The injury affected his ability to push off and pivot, two critical movements for a quarterback. Despite the discomfort, Mahomes powered through Super Bowl LV before addressing the issue surgically.
The procedure involved reattaching the ligament beneath the big toe, followed by a rigorous recovery protocol. With the help of focused rehab and a custom orthotic, Mahomes returned to the field just in time for the next season—leading the Kansas City Chiefs back to the playoffs and proving his resilience once again.
2. Paula Radcliffe – Marathon Mindset
World record–holding marathoner Paula Radcliffe faced a career-threatening foot injury in 1994 when she developed a stress fracture in her navicular bone—a key stabilizer in the midfoot. After years of recurring pain and conservative treatments, she ultimately underwent surgery in 1995 to correct the problem.
Her recovery included bone grafting and months of careful rehabilitation. Radcliffe’s comeback was extraordinary: she went on to break multiple world records, including her legendary 2:15:25 marathon in 2003. Her story remains a powerful example of what’s possible with surgical precision and mental toughness.
3. Julio Jones – On His Toes Again
NFL wide receiver Julio Jones dealt with a persistent foot issue called a Jones fracture—a break in the fifth metatarsal, located on the outside of the foot. He underwent surgery in 2011 to insert a screw and stabilize the bone, a common treatment for high-level athletes.
Jones’ commitment to rehab paid off. Not only did he return to play the following season, but he also became one of the league’s most dominant receivers for nearly a decade. His experience highlights the importance of early surgical intervention and proper post-op management in high-impact sports.
4. Kristaps Porziņģis – From the Bench to the Paint
NBA star Kristaps Porziņģis underwent surgery in 2020 to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his knee—but before that, he battled a nagging foot issue: a stress reaction in the navicular bone during his early years in the league. While he avoided surgery at first, worsening symptoms eventually required surgical attention to reinforce the midfoot.
After recovery and targeted physical therapy to correct biomechanics and reduce stress on the area, Porziņģis returned to the court with renewed mobility and strength. His story underscores how foot issues can impact the whole kinetic chain—and how recovery can elevate performance when handled correctly.
5. David Ortiz – A Big Comeback for Big Papi
Boston Red Sox legend David Ortiz underwent surgery in 2013 to repair chronic foot and ankle injuries that included bone spurs and soft tissue damage. His plantar fasciitis had worsened over the years, affecting his ability to pivot and drive off his back foot while hitting.
After surgery and months of rehabilitation, Ortiz came back strong—leading the Red Sox to a World Series title in 2013 and earning MVP honors. His powerful return to the batter’s box proves that even with long-standing foot issues, surgical correction and persistence can lead to peak performance.
Foot Surgery Recovery: A Specialist’s Perspective
Dr. Elton emphasizes, “Foot injuries—especially in athletes—require a careful balance of surgical expertise and customized rehab. When done right, patients can come back stronger than ever.”
Whether you're chasing championships or simply chasing your kids around the yard, foot surgery doesn’t have to be the end of your active lifestyle. With advanced techniques and dedicated recovery, healing is within reach.
If you’re facing a foot injury that won’t quit, it may be time to explore expert care. Dr. Elton and the team at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery specialize in advanced foot and ankle treatments designed to restore movement and reduce pain.