Xavier Thomas delivers message to Clemson football fans after season-ending injury
Clemson defensive end Xavier Thomas apologized “from the bottom of my heart” and thanked fans for their support on Twitter after injury officially ended his 2022 football season.
Head coach Dabo Swinney announced on his Monday night radio show that Thomas, a fifth-year senior, would undergo season-ending surgery to repair a foot bone that he cracked again in practice last week.
Thomas, who didn’t travel for Clemson’s game at Notre Dame last weekend, said his foot bone was “healing and was so close to being 100%” after a Jones fracture before he re-injured it in practice last Wednesday. He’ll undergo surgery next week.
“From the bottom of my heart, I’m so sorry Clemson Nation,” Thomas tweeted late Monday. “So much out of my control with my foot breaking this year. The bone that was broken & healing and was so close to being 100% recracked in practice. Have to get surgery next week. God NEVER makes mistakes! I love you all.”
Thomas, a former five-star recruit, initially broke his foot during preseason camp in August. He missed Clemson’s first five games of 2022 before returning at Boston College on Oct. 8. Despite playing only six snaps, he recorded two sacks, a forced fumble and a quarterback hit and picked up ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors.
Thomas also played 32 snaps against Florida State on Oct. 15 and 14 snaps against Syracuse on Oct. 22 before re-injuring his foot last week.
Swinney said on his radio show that Thomas has the option of returning to Clemson for a final year of eligibility in 2023. Thomas could also leave for the NFL, where he generated draft buzz last year before returning to school.
With his 2022 season over, Thomas has played in 49 games to date for Clemson with 19 starts. The multi-time all-conference selection has recorded 96 total tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and five pass deflections.
Next Clemson game
Who: Louisville (6-3, 3-3 ACC) at AP No. 12 Clemson (8-1, 6-0 ACC)
When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Memorial Stadium, Clemson
TV: ESPN
Line: Clemson by 7
This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 8:36 AM.
