Jordan Brewster’s Comeback: From Injury to College Football

For Jordan Brewster, football has never been just a game—it’s been his passion and his future. As a two-time All-State player at PSJA North Early College High School, he had high hopes for his senior season. But just seven plays into the first game, everything changed.

“I remember going down and hearing four pops, and in that moment I thought to myself this can’t be good,” said Jordan Brewster. “All I could think about was whether I’d ever be able to play again.”

Jordan had suffered a devastating injury—tearing his MCL, meniscus, lateral patella dislocation, and patella articular cartilage. His senior season was over before it had truly begun, and his future in football was uncertain. However, a breakthrough procedure and the expertise of Dr. Daniel Romanelli at DHR Health would soon offer him a second chance.

Dr. Romanelli, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, is the only physician in the Rio Grande Valley performing the Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (MACI®) procedure, a cutting-edge cartilage regeneration treatment. Recognizing Jordan as an ideal candidate, Dr. Romanelli mapped out a two-stage surgical plan to restore his knee.

The first procedure involved harvesting Jordan’s own cartilage cells while also repairing his MCL and meniscus. Three months later, the second surgery implanted the lab-cultured cells back into his knee, allowing the tissue to regenerate naturally. Jordan’s surgery was performed at DHR Health Brownsville.

“With MACI®, we’re able to use the patient’s own cells to repair damaged cartilage, creating a long-term solution for athletes and active individuals,” explained Dr. Romanelli. “For Jordan, the goal was not only to heal his injury but to restore his ability to compete at the highest level.”

Jordan’s recovery journey didn’t end in the operating room. He continues to undergo intensive rehabilitation at the DHR Health Orthopedic & Sports Therapy Institute, where he works closely with specialists to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility.

“Rehab has been the hardest part, but it’s also been the most rewarding,” Jordan said. “There were days I wanted to give up, but the team at the DHR Health Orthopedic & Sports Therapy Institute kept pushing me, encouraging me, and reminding me of why I started. I’m stronger because of them.”

Now, his hard work is paying off— Jordan is set to play college football at Nelson University in Waxahachie, Texas, in fall 2025.

“This whole experience has taught me a lot about resilience and never giving up,” Jordan said. “I’m just grateful to have the chance to play again, and I can’t wait to represent the valley at the next level.”

Jordan’s journey is a testament to hard work, determination, and the right support. What once felt like the end of his football career has turned into a new beginning—one he’s worked hard to earn.

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