RG3 Backs Lindsey Vonn's Risky Olympic Push

Former NFL QB says Vonn winning gold with ruptured ACL would be "the greatest story ever"

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Robert Griffin III, the former NFL quarterback who has dealt with his own ACL injuries, is voicing his support for Lindsey Vonn's decision to compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics despite a ruptured ACL. RG3 says if Vonn is able to win gold with such a serious injury, it would be "one of the greatest stories ever written" and deserving of a Hollywood movie adaptation.

Why it matters

Vonn's decision to compete with a ruptured ACL is seen as an incredibly risky and gutsy move, as the injury could potentially worsen or lead to further complications. RG3's endorsement of her decision lends credibility and inspiration to Vonn's quest, as he understands firsthand the challenges of recovering from such a severe knee injury.

The details

Robert Griffin III tore his ACL twice - once in college and again in the NFL with the Washington Redskins. He knows the difficulties of recovering from such an injury, but he also understands Vonn's mindset of wanting to compete at the highest level despite the risks. RG3 praised Vonn's "all-gas-no-brakes" approach, saying that if the doctors clear her to compete, "there's nothing anyone can do about it." He also made the broader point that if women can handle childbirth, competing at an elite level with a ruptured ACL shows just how tough they can be.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place in February 2026.

The players

Lindsey Vonn

A decorated American alpine ski racer who has won multiple Olympic medals, including gold, and is attempting to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics despite a ruptured ACL.

Robert Griffin III

A former NFL quarterback who has dealt with his own ACL injuries and is voicing his support for Vonn's risky Olympic push.

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What they’re saying

“Having done that before, you can get back to similar strength, similar flexibility before you have the surgery. But your knee is going to be in a much more compromised position. So Lindsey is going to do what she wants to do.”

— Robert Griffin III, Former NFL Quarterback (TMZ)

“She wants to go attack it and try it out, and if the doctors clear, then there's nothing anyone can do about it.”

— Robert Griffin III, Former NFL Quarterback (TMZ)

“I think it's inspiring to a lot of people. And I think that's what she's trying to do. She's going to go out there and try to win. And if she does, it's going to be one of the greatest stories ever written.”

— Robert Griffin III, Former NFL Quarterback (TMZ)

What’s next

If Vonn is cleared by doctors to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics, all eyes will be on her as she attempts to win gold despite her ruptured ACL injury.

The takeaway

Lindsey Vonn's decision to compete in the Olympics with a serious knee injury is a testament to the incredible physical and mental toughness of elite female athletes. RG3's endorsement of her risky but inspiring quest highlights the broader significance of Vonn's potential achievement, which could transcend sports and become a legendary moment in Olympic history.