The linebacker who defied three ACL tears to become an All-Pro
In short: Sean Lee's career is a study in physical resilience. Despite suffering three separate ACL tears—including one during a supposedly noncontact drill—he ascended from a medical redshirt at Penn State to becoming the first Dallas Cowboys player to win NFC Defensive Player of the Month.
Lee’s journey to the NFL was marked by significant physical setbacks. While playing for the Penn State Nittany Lions, he suffered a torn ACL in April 2008 during a noncontact drill. Despite being forced into a medical redshirt for that season, his leadership was so pronounced that his teammates elected him team captain while he spent the year rehabilitating and serving as an undergraduate assistant coach.
The Dallas Cowboys selected Lee in the second round of the 2010 draft, a move influenced by his history of injuries, which included partially torn ACLs on both knees. He signed a four-year, $3.49 million contract but struggled with nagging injuries initially.
His career faced another major hurdle in May 2017 when he tore his ACL for a third time after being blocked by rookie Zack Martin during an organized team activity. Because OTAs are intended to be noncontact, the injury sparked controversy. Nevertheless, Lee adapted to a weakside linebacker role to protect him from direct hits, eventually earning First-team All-Pro honors in 2016 and making two Pro Bowls before retiring in April 2021.
Lee's legacy is defined by this persistence. He navigated multiple surgeries, including a sports hernia in 2020, to remain active until his ninth season. By the time of his retirement, he was noted as the last active Cowboy to have played under head coach Wade Phillips.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Sean Lee
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