Two weeks after a heavily loaded barbell fell on his throat, USC tailback Stafon Johnson has left the hospital.
Doctors called Johnson's progress remarkable, considering his throat and larynx were almost completely crushed by the bar. He went home Wednesday. The Trojan gave the thumbs up sign as he left the hospital.
In a Twitter post Tuesday, Johnson said, "CANT SWALLOW YET SOO DIDNT GET THE PLEASURE OF EAT THAT GREAT FOOD LOL."
Coach Pete Carrolll said Johnson can expect more rehabilitation at home.
At a Wednesday morning news conference, Johnson's mother said he has received cards, text messages and flowers -- many from UCLA fans. She said the support has been overwhelming.
"We are still fighting on," Kim Mallory, his mother, said.
Doctors said they were "extremely pleased" with what they saw during an evaluation last week. They said it is too early to make a definitive statement regarding speech, but added that they are "very optimistic" about his long-term prognosis.
"This has been the most humbling and eye opening experience in my 21 years of existence," Johnson said in a statement read at the news conference. "I'd like to thank my doctors -- they were definitely sent from heaven. This is not the end of anything. This is the beginning of things to come. We are fighting on."
Because he cannot speak -- his right vocal chord was severed and torn away -- Johnson has been communicating through hand signals and writing. Johnson's vocal cords were reconstructed and his larnyx was realigned.
Johnson was admitted to the hospital in critical but stable condition after the Sept. 28 weightroom mishap.
The bench press barbell was loaded with 275 pounds. An assistant strength and conditioning coach was acting as a spotter, according to the LA Times.
"This is a very, very rare injury," said Dr. Gudata Hinika after the surgery. "These are the types of injuries that happen with people who did not wear a seatbelt. From weightlifting, it's very rare. The reconstruction he had is really wonderful. We're pleased.
"Had that been any one of us, we would not have survived. His neck was so muscular, so solid, it helped him. Also, he was able to calm down and do what he needed to do. His physical condition contributed toward his outcome."
As for his football future, Carroll said Johnson might be eligible for a medical redshirt. That means he could earn a sixth year with the team.
But that won't matter if he elects to enter the NFL draft.
