BC Lions' QB Travis Lulay suffers potential career-ending injury

Jimmy Jeong / CFL

Travis Lulay entered Friday night’s home game against the Montreal Alouettes as the BC Lions’ No. 1 quarterback.

Against the odds, the 33-year-old had proven himself to be head coach Wally Buono’s top option, ahead of the younger Jonathan Jennings. He looked like the Lulay of old.

And with one play, it could be all over.

Lulay suffered a serious knee injury in the second play from scrimmage. His season is over, and given his advanced age, his career might be done too.

#BCLions believe ACL tear for Lulay with possible MCL & cartilage damage. Waiting for MRI to confirm. Season ending surgery expected. #CFL

— Farhan Lalji (@FarhanLaljiTSN) September 9, 2017

Lulay scrambled and ran, looking for a first down. He was hit by two Alouettes players, but TSN’s Farhan Lalji reports that the injury is believed to have occurred before the collision.

re: travis lulay
non-contact right ACL tear as he tries to sidestep the defender. oh the empathy! pic.twitter.com/To0Y881aEB

— christina le (@yegphysio) September 9, 2017

Lulay was seen wiping tears from his face on the sidelines, knowing what a serious injury could mean at this point in his career.

Lulay suffered a suspected torn ACL in his knee. Some say he could out 8-12 months. Horrible news for 1 of the good guys in the CFL.

— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) September 9, 2017

If Lulay is indeed out for 12 months, as News 1130’s Rick Dhaliwal suggests, this could be a career-ending injury.

“If he can’t play for us, he can help us win still,” Buono told reporters after the game. “I want him to understand that we want him to be a part of our team.”

Travis Lulay: "It's not for me to understand. I trust there's a plan. It'll make more sense to me someday down the road." #CFL #BCLions

— Josh Clipperton (@JClipperton_CP) September 9, 2017

Known as one of the game’s truly good guys, Lulay took to Twitter on Saturday morning to thank everyone who reached out to him:

Just a quick note of thanks to everyone that reached out with words of encouragement after last night’s game. I received many thoughts, prayers, and uplifting words from Lions teammates (not to mention a big W!) and fans – along with messages from competitors and fans all across the CFL.

You all help to ease the sting of a disappointing moment. As cruel as the game can be at times, I was once again reminded why I have come to love this league. There is no shortage of good people in CFL circles, and I’m grateful for you all. Cheers.

God bless,

TL

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