Celebrating The Comeback

CJ Palazzola, '26, is the inaugural recipient of the JAG Comeback Player of the Year

Through sports, various messages are presented to athletes. They learn how to succeed, how to fail, how to fall, and most importantly, how to get back up. At Monsignor Farrell, one student embodies this very principle: CJ Palazzola, '26. 

On Wednesday, May 28th, Palazzola -- a defensive end on the Varsity Football team -- was honored with the inaugural JAG Comeback Player of the Year Award. This award is presented to the student who has overcome his injuries and returned to the field.

"Being named the inaugural recipient of the JAG Comeback Player of the Year award is a great feeling because JAG is a very well-respected physical therapy institution. I am extremely grateful to be recognized as the Comeback Player of the Year, [and] more importantly, the first recipient of this award," Palazzola said.

"Personally, this award means the world to me. Getting injured has been the most challenging experience I have gone through. The recovery process took a great deal of time, and the amount of dedication I put into recovery was like no other. Being able to step back onto that field for those three games last season meant more to me than ever."

• Good Teammate: Regularly attends practices and games and supports the team in any way possible.

 

• Dedication: Shows commitment to recovery and returning to play. The athlete rarely misses appointments, including rehab sessions, doctor visits, or mental health appointments with school psychologists or other providers. 

 

• Success in Return: Achieves personal goals and timelines. 

 

• Difficulty of Adversity: Undaunted perseverance through injury and return to sport, especially during setbacks and other challenges. Considerations include additional complications such as infections, multiple surgeries, transportation issues, or financial hardships that may have hindered progress.

Palazzola had a particularly harsh setback, tearing his MCL and PCL. Reflecting on the injury, he noted how while he had some bone bruises and twisted ankles while playing sports, he had never had a significant injury up until this point.

"A torn ligament was something I would’ve never expected to happen to me," Palazzola said. "I was lucky enough to receive an MRI the same night of my injury, thanks to my parents' concern and support. I later was told I had a Grade 2 MCL tear and a Grade 1 PCL tear. I was heartbroken, as most doctors told me I had no chance of coming back for my junior year."

The recovery process began immediately, with Palazzola starting recovery and physical therapy as quickly as possible, thanks to JAG.

"I began physical therapy with Coach Fina at JAG immediately," he said. "As the weeks passed,  with my dedication to physical therapy, my knee began to heal quicker than expected. As the sixth week approached since my injury, due to consistent physical therapy, I felt confident in coming back to finish out the season strong."

In any sport, injuries are obstacles athletes face often. An injury can completely change the players' season, putting themselves in a tough situation not just physically but also mentally. Overcoming an injury is no easy task, as hard work and determination is essential for the player returning to the field.

"CJ showed incredible resilience and focus throughout his recovery. He stayed committed to every part of the process — therapy sessions, strength training, and even the mental aspects of healing," Rocco Del Priore, Farrell Varsity Football head coach, said regarding CJ's attitude toward recovery. "His mindset was all about progress, no matter how small."

Palazzola was ultimately able to step onto the field for a few games in the 2024 football season, overcoming the initial diagnoses of his injury and speeding up his recovery timetable.

It was a moment that left Palazzola speechless.

"Not being able to play the sport I love due to an injury was heartbreaking," he said. "Although I was out for several weeks, the time and dedication I put towards my recovery all felt like it was worth it the moment I got back on that field. I felt so accomplished that all my hard work paid off in the long run. "

Injuries do not just affect one player; they impact the team as a whole. Watching your teammate battle through injury with pain day in and day out without slowing down can help motivate and encourage a team. Through Palazzola’s determination and perseverance to get back on the field, it showed his teammates, in Coach Del Priore's words, "what perserverence really looks like."

Through receiving this award, Palazzola's inspires fellow brothers at Monsignor Farrell.

"His award sends a powerful message to all students and athletes that setbacks do not define you, your response does," said Mr. Fisher, Monsignor Farrell Assistant Principal of Academics. "Through hard work, determination, and belief in himself, CJ showed what true character looks like."

The JAG Comeback Player of the Year Award was created with a purpose. The award sets out to inspire and recognize an athlete’s ability to fight back against adversity to comeback stronger.

"It's a reminder that effort, heart, and perseverance are just as important as talent, and that no challenge is too big when you stay committed," said Mr. Fisher.

And if Palazzola could give his classmates and teammates, let alone any student-athlete going through a harsh injury, any advice, it's simply to never give up.

"I could've easily given up trying to come back for the last couple games," Palazzola said. "I could've easily stopped showing support for my team even when I couldn’t contribute. I could've lost love for the sport of football. But I didn't.

"I stayed true to my goal; I gave everything 100 percent, whether it was to benefit myself or others. One of many things I learned from this injury is to never take anything for granted. Any play can be your last; so give everything in life 100 percent."

The Lion congratulates CJ Palazzola on his award as we recognize and admire the hard work and determination involved in his recovery.