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Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar Details Difficulty of Playing Through Tumor Late Last Season
Aguilar opened up about playing through a benign shoulder tumor at the end of the 2025 season.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:40pm
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Tennessee football quarterback Joey Aguilar revealed that he was dealing with a benign tumor in his shoulder during the latter part of the 2025 season, making it difficult for him to throw certain passes. Despite the injury, Aguilar continued to play, keeping the ailment private until after the season. He recently threw in front of NFL scouts at Tennessee's Pro Day as he recovers from the procedure to address the tumor.
Why it matters
Aguilar's revelation sheds light on the challenges student-athletes can face in playing through injuries, even when it impacts their performance. His decision to be transparent about his condition after the season also highlights the importance of athlete health and wellness, especially as Aguilar looks to make the transition to the professional ranks.
The details
Aguilar said the tumor in his shoulder made it difficult to deliver passes, limiting his ability to practice and play at full strength. Despite the pain, he chose to continue playing, not making excuses. The Volunteers struggled down the stretch, going 2-4 in their final six games against Power Five opponents, including a loss in the Music City Bowl. Aguilar had hoped to return to Tennessee for a final season, but a judge declined his request for a preliminary injunction, leading him to declare for the NFL Draft.
- Aguilar dealt with the shoulder tumor throughout the latter part of the 2025 season.
- Aguilar threw in front of NFL scouts at Tennessee's Pro Day on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
- Aguilar is currently in week four of a 10-12 week throwing rehab process.
The players
Joey Aguilar
The starting quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers football team, who played through a benign tumor in his shoulder during the 2025 season.
What they’re saying
“It was difficult. Arm was hurting really bad throughout the week. That would cause me to not to be able to throw certain routes. Taking away from practice of like a physical rep, but it was something I had to deal with and I chose to do that. So I embraced it and just enjoyed it.”
— Joey Aguilar, Tennessee Quarterback
“Felt good. You know, I'm still super early in my throwing rehab. I just finished week four of like a 10-12 week process. So I wanted to go out there, show the teams that I'm healing pretty fast and I can still sling the rock. A little injured right now, but I'll be healthy by the time the team picks me up. I just want to show them I still got it.”
— Joey Aguilar, Tennessee Quarterback
What’s next
Aguilar will continue his throwing rehab over the next 6-8 weeks as he looks to be fully healthy by the time he is selected in the NFL Draft.
The takeaway
Aguilar's willingness to play through a significant injury, even as it impacted his performance, demonstrates the dedication and toughness of student-athletes. His transparency in sharing his story after the season also highlights the importance of prioritizing athlete health and wellness, especially as players transition to the professional ranks.
