“I know it’s going to be a long, hard road. I’ve cried a lot but I’m ready.”Nick Reveiz
None of the assembled reporters would have begrudged Nick Reveiz had he not shown up for Tuesday’s weekly media session.
Tennessee’s starting middle linebacker suffered a season-ending knee injury just three days earlier. Surely, he wouldn’t want to talk about the injury, the rehab and the emotions so soon after.
Then came a not-so-subtle reminder, limping towards the podium on crutches, that Reveiz isn’t one to duck a challenge. For 15 emotional minutes, Reveiz shared all.
“I know it’s going to be a long, hard road,” the junior said of his recovery. “I’ve cried a lot but I’m ready.”
Reveiz is a bit reluctant to accept the injured Vol role.
“The only thing that changes in my routine is I won’t be able to actually participate in practice in the physical sense,” Reveiz said. “But I’ll be there mentally and helping people out. I’m going to be in meetings early every single day.”
Reveiz said he’ll coach his replacements. Junior Savion Frazier figures to get the majority of the work.
“I’m so happy for Savion,” Reveiz said. “This is his third year. He’s been working extremely hard and he really deserves this shot.
“I’m fully confident in him that he’s going to do an exceptional job. We’re not going to miss a beat.”
Head coach Lane Kiffin might disagree. He knows Reveiz, who was universally regarded as a team leader, can’t be replaced.
“You can’t coach that,” Kiffin said. “We lost a lot there.”
UT also lost the quarterback of its defense. Reveiz handled all of the defense’s play calls, as well as alignment and blitz adjustments.
“On top of that he was playing extremely well, making big-time tackles,” Kiffin said of UT’s third-leading tackler (27), who also had 4½ for a loss.
Had UT’s coaching staff written down the most valuable Vols, Kiffin said, Reveiz would have been impossible to ignore.
“Definitely every one of our coaches would have put him in the top three,” Kiffin said. “Some of them would have him, surprisingly, No. 1. That’s no disrespect to (All-America safety) Eric (Berry) at all.”
Reveiz said Frazier’s toughest challenge will be handling the mental load at middle linebacker. Reveiz said he was just starting to see the inner workings of coordinator Monte Kiffin’s defense.
“It’s just a big mental challenge,” Reveiz said. “It’s funny. You get comfortable and something changes.”
The change occurred in the third quarter of the Ohio game — Reveiz’ fourth start of his career.
He called it a “freak accident” because the play was so routine. Reveiz was running, cut ever so slightly and felt the bottom of his knee shift. One step more and he knew something was wrong.
Reveiz admitted to an understandably weak moment on the sidelines when doctors told him of the initial prognosis: a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Reveiz cried along with his parents, including his father and former UT placekicker Fuad Reveiz.
There have been other tough times in the days since. Watching practice on Monday was the worst.
“I broke down a couple of times,” Reveiz said.
Yet Reveiz is far from pitying himself. His faith has given him solace.
“The Lord has given me courage,” he said. “He has really given me a peace about this. I know this is meant to happen. This is part of my future. It’s just another mountain to climb.”
Photo by Adam Brimer
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Tennessee linebacker Nick Reveiz (56) walks off the field on crutches after going down in the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at Neyland Stadium.
Reveiz, who is listed generously at 5-foot-10, knows all about climbing mountains. Most never expected he’d play when he came to UT as a walk-on in 2006.
His story has made him a fan favorite. The outpouring of support since his injury has proved as much.
“I’m very blessed to be from Knoxville. I love this city,” Reveiz said. “How many people have called me, texted me and left messages, it’s showed me how much people love me.”
Tuesday’s interview session was tough, as evident by Reveiz’ swollen eyes and often broken voice. Saturday’s game against Auburn (TV: ESPN, 7:45) will be tougher.
“I thought about it a little bit,” Reveiz said. “I’m just trying to take it a day at a time. I actually try to not think about (game day) when my mind’s brought it up.”
Reveiz said he’s still praying for a miracle, that he’ll be able to “hobble” out there and play Saturday.
“I just love playing football so much,” he said. “I have such a passion to play. There’s nothing else I really want to do other than that.”
Reveiz said he felt a responsibility to the other overachievers who look up to him. He also feels a responsibility to other athletes who are injured and concerned about their future.
That’s why he showed up on Tuesday. With more than 20 reporters on hand, it was an opportunity to share who he is and what he believes is important.
“I’ve just got to find my pleasure in the Lord,” Reveiz said. “That’s really who I live for. I don’t live to be a football player, even thought I love it and I have a lot of passion for it.”
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Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group in the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at Neyland Stadium. The Vols evened their record to 2-2 with a 34-23 win over Ohio but Reveiz suffered a season-ending knee injury.){kind=link}
 walks off the field on crutches after going down in the third quarter on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at Neyland Stadium.){kind=link}
Comments » 70
TommyJack writes:
What a guy.
FearTheVols1252 writes:
Here's hoping for a speedy recovery! Your leadership, your energy, and your enthusiasm will certainly be missed.
Go Vols!
OldNumber7 writes:
Go Vols!
VolunteerLifer writes:
It's scary thinking of going the rest of the season without him. But someone will have to fill the shoes. If not Savion, then someone else.
I wonder if it is written in tablets of stone that the MLB call the signals? If someone else is more versed in the defense than the MLB - say, maybe EB - that they call the signals instead?
jcvol writes:
You can do this. We have a daughter that had the same injury (Soccer)at about this same time of the year. She had her surger in October and she play spring soccer. It can be done. You have the faith, go for it.
CRFVols writes:
I'll say a prayer for ya. Good luck.
AFVol423 writes:
This kid is one class act. He is still a leader even when injured. Wish him a speedy and successful recovery. GO VOLS!
Fulton_Vol writes:
MLB is the defensive QB and it can't easily be done from another position. MLB sees and hears the offensive QB adjustments both vocal and hand signals, he also hears the center call the lines schemes. He has to adjust the defense accordingly. Nick know that many in the Orange Nation are praying for you. Get better soon.
Kevinyaheard writes:
Damn, we really lost alot when he went down. When I tore my rotator cuff and I knew I would never play again in college I felt the same way. I can really sympathize with Nick, but he will work hard and be back strong next year. Those ACL injuries are tricky though, many are never the same after ward. I definately hope for nothing but the best for nick though...GO VOLS!!!!
OrangeCrush writes:
Wow, what do you say when you read something like this?
I'm at a loss for words. This is what being a football player is all about.
Godspeed Nick.
smashmouth98 writes:
wow, i wish he could play here for 4 more years!! what a class act!! he will be missed.
SWAVol writes:
With the way Nick attacks the weight room, practice, film study and the game I know he will be back. This guy has a champions heart and knows how to work harder than the next guy. Keep your head up and attack this rehab assignment like a tailback on the goal line. I will be saying a few prayers for you and we will see you ON THE FIELD next year.
Volunatic writes:
Since I first saw him on the field on special teams as the "wedge-buster" on kickoff coverage, I have been a huge fan. The guy has GUTS and DETERMINATION. Best wishes on a speedy recovery, Nick!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Warrior.
Life is never fair. Hang in there, Nick.
illinoisvolfan writes:
Couldn't have said it better myself.
56 will be back!!
LifetimeVolFan98 writes:
I think it has a lot to do with the MLBs general position on the field - he's kind of in the middle of the entire defensive unit so he can bark the signals in all directions - although I thought all along EB was calling the signals...
DennisVols writes:
His leg may no longer work well enough to play this year but you will never be able to stop his heart for this team and his leadership, competitive nayure and inspiration can still be flet from the sidelines.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
69vol08 writes:
ALL VOL! This kid has it together...as a player...as a man! What an ultimate teammate...he is not sulking about his injury, but ready to help his team! He really is in tune with the "big picture"!
Godspeed Nick, get healthy...go Vols!
kazoo writes:
If we had 10 of this kid, we'd be undefeated. I wish him well. His dad was a stud kicker in his day, by the way--one of the all-time UT greats.
Brillovol writes:
Love the faith! He already knows what he needs to do, focus on the Lord. Inspiration comes in times of difficulty, not in times of plenty. Here's to a true role model.
FWBVol writes:
In his short time as a starter Nick Reveiz has, in my opinion, proven to be the most passionate MLB and leader of a defense that we have had since Al Wilson. The kid plays with his motor going all the time.
Last year it was Nick's younger brother, Shane, that had the bad news about the heart problems that were corrected by surgery allowing him to rejoin the team. And now this is testing the faith of the Reveiz family.
My prayers are with you young man.
orangevolman writes:
Godspeed Nick.
cloudodust writes:
Nick's attitude shows character. His attitude also shows that he's a Volunteer through and through. He'll be the inspirational 12th man from here to Tennessee's bowl game.
KENVOL writes:
May our leader have a speedy recovery. We will really miss him.
VOLHolla writes:
Amen!
Well said
jmr68ut writes:
Wish we just had one more like you Nick. We'll miss you man. Hoping for a speedy and complete recovery!!!
vol98champ writes:
I'm with you Nick. When I heard that you were down, I darned near started to cry. So many said before the season that you were too small and slow. They didn't measure your heart and desire. Oh how I wish we could find more guys like you.
MemphoVol writes:
Nick certainly has his priorities in order. Everything else will take care of itself. We will hear from him again; maybe in football, maybe in something else. But mark my words, we will hear from Nick again.
VOL03_NC writes:
God has you on his podium. You are obviously worthy of the spotlight. You are an achiver!!
Glad your a Vol.
GO VOLS!!!
UTmama writes:
Nick, you are inspiring others with your faith and class and the Lord may be using you in bigger ways off the field right now than on the field. God bless you and work on getting that knee better!
brush#220070 writes:
God Bless you Nick-best wishes for a full & speedy recovery
You are all VOL!!!
STNVol09 writes:
Nick.. Isaiah 40:31..... we are praying for you Nick. Hang tough dude.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
Strange to me that many of the same people on here singing Nick's praises were the same ones who gawked at him being named a captain.
Get well soon, Nick! You're a true Volunteer.
ThurmondEppy writes:
We love you Nick. Don't ever give up! Come back next year stronger than ever!
rockytopatl writes:
Nick has the heart and will of a champion. He will be back next year, count on it.
Razzle writes:
Your my favorite Vol Nick. Can't wait till you get back out there man.
joeaubie writes:
Forget all of the 5 stars and recruiting rankings. Give me a guy with a heart and work ethic like Nick and watch how good anybody's team becomes. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
notoriousBIGorange writes:
Great kid. I hope he doesn't try to rush back at the sake of his long term health. If he does what the doctors and staff tell him and works as hard as he has up to this point, he'll be back next year as good as ever.
Orangeblood13 writes:
aman
Maybe the other players wil find it in them to use his strength and pull from his courage. What a player!
Hats off Nick
notoriousBIGorange writes:
Here is a very good article about the decision that Meyer and the UF program will be facing in 2 weeks.
As Doyle says here, this will be a true indication of what kind of a man Urban Meyer is.
http://www.cbssports.com/columns/stor...
Psychovol writes:
Professionalism plus exudes from this guy. I hope others take note.
notoriousBIGorange writes:
Meyer is the head coach...it is ENTIRELY up to him.
murrayvol writes:
Lose the commentary and opinions DC.
What would you do if he were your son?
Cldvols1 writes:
Remarkable young man! My thoughts and prayers are with you buddy, God's speed and God bless!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Gotta say it was big of you to say this after all the garbage some Vol fans spewed about Tebow's injury lately. I was embarrassed to be associated with them.
crimsonviper writes:
Wish the best for him.He seems like a real class act as well a fine linebacker..Vol fans should be proud of this one.
GerryOP writes:
Well said.
AllVol1 writes:
I feel humbled and inspired by so many of the thoughts and wishes on this board. My prayers go out to Nick and family as well. You have all given us a tremendous picture of courage, faith, and depth of soul. Here's to a full and speedy recovery, Nick Reveiz--one of the finest athletes--no, one of the finest human beings I have ever heard of.
GerryOP writes:
DC we've had our differences, but let me make a suggestion. Drop your philosophical proselytizing. Timbow's future and life is a stake. Just a suggestion...
MillisaAnn writes:
Get Well Soon Nick!!! You are in my prayers
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