KNOXVILLE – Tennessee redshirt senior tight end Austin Pope had back surgery Thursday.
Tough times don’t last, tough people do. pic.twitter.com/2ixcqeJYYo
— Austin Pope (@Austin_Pope31) July 16, 2020
Pope announced the news on Twitter.
“Sometimes life doesn’t always go the way we plan it. I’ve had hard times and challenges in my life, so this is nothing new to me. I recently have been dealing with a lot of nerve pain coming from my low back. I went to get an mri Monday morning and the results were not what I expected. Doc told me I herniated yet another disc in my back, this time being at L3L4. I’ve been very down and disappointed because I already had back surgery two years ago for a different disc. I had surgery this morning and am recovering at home right now. I really would appreciate any support in these tough times. I love this game, my teammates, and my coaches and I will do anything to help this program succeed. Prayers would be appreciated. Minor setback for a major comeback.”
Pope has played in 33 games during his career at Tennessee. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound tight end has totaled seven receptions for 85 yards.