Jaylon Smith, linebacker for the Green Bay Packers
Smith was projected to be a top-five pick to the 2016 NFL draft when he ripped his anterior cruciate ligament in 2016. The injury damaged his peroneal nerve, which subsequently gave him foot drop. The Dallas Cowboys, whose team physician examined Smith, drafted him anyway.
With a Richie Dynamic Assist AFO, Smith was able to play in the 2017 season. His condition eventually improved. Smith began the 2021 season with the Cowboys, and he no longer needs to wear an AFO.
Michael Porter Jr., forward for the Denver Nuggets
Porter was the 14th NBA draft pick in 2018, but he had to sit out his rookie season after two back surgeries caused foot drop. He wore a customized version of the SpryStep Flex, Thuasne USA, Bakersfield, California, and was still seen wearing the brace in his 2020 season.
Porter has been playing so well that the Nuggets announced in September that he and the team have agreed on a five-year extension on his contract that could be worth up to $207 million.
Alex Smith former quarterback, the Washington Football Team
While some cases heal, Alex Smith has permanent foot drop. His condition is the result of 17 surgeries to repair his tibia and fibula after an injury during a game in November 2018. During the ordeal, a bacterial infection also destroyed the surrounding tissue, and his peroneal nerve was removed.
Initially a second-string quarterback in the 2020 season, Smith took to the field after first-string quarterback Kyle Allen was injured. Wearing a modified SpryStep Flex, Smith led the team to its first playoff berth in five years. Smith has since retired from football.
