EAGAN, Minn. — Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers knows a thing or two about being resilient.
In fact, the 25-year-old has the word tattooed on his back to represent everything he’s battled through, including his most recent setback.
“Most people will be at home, retired, whatever you want to call it,” Akers said, referring to the torn Achilles he suffered midway through last season. “So, I’m blessed to have the opportunity to still come out and show that I still got juice.”
The recovery is even more impressive considering it’s the second time in three years that he’s battled back from a torn Achilles.
The first came in July of 2021 when he was working out ahead of training camp as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams, who selected Akers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, placed him on Injured Reserve, thinking that’s where he’d stay for the duration of the season.
But that’s not Akers.
He returned to the active roster on Christmas Day that year, and helped the Rams capture their second-ever Super Bowl title — and first since returning to Los Angeles.
Part of the reason he was able to return so quickly was because of the "speed bridge" procedure he had to repair the tendon. The other part was pure determination.
“I’m kind of used to chaos in my life,” Akers said. “Just taking whatever hand God’s given me, and playing it.”
The chaos isn't just injury-related.
Akers recently reunited with the Vikings after spending the first five games of the season with the Houston Texans. He was traded early last week to give Minnesota more depth in the backfield, but apparently, his arrival also gives the team a new option on the kick return.
"Whenever my number is called — wherever it's called — I just try to go out and make a play, impact the game," Akers said.
His number was called Sunday against the Detroit Lions on a pair of kickoffs.
"That was my first time returning kicks," said Akers, who amassed 52 yards on the two returns. "I'll get better at it every time I get an opportunity. I'm looking forward to it."
Akers has yet to take a snap out of the backfield with the Vikings this season, but he did carry the ball 38 times for 138 yards and a touchdown in six games with Minnesota last season before getting injured.
"You see nothing's gonna stop him," said Vikings running back Aaron Jones of Akers. "He comes in here happy every day. Even my first time meeting him — I mean, I've met him after a game, quickly, quick interaction — but really getting to meet him, talk to him, he's a joy to have here."
