Sherrone Moore details how Zak Zinter stayed involved after injury

Sherrone Moore knows Zak Zinter can still make a big impact on Michigan, despite not being able to play.

Zinter suffered a broken tibia and fibula in the win over Ohio State to end the regular season. But since then, Michigan pressed on in the Big Ten title game and the Rose Bowl.

Just because he can’t play doesn’t mean Zinter’s voice isn’t heard throughout the team.

“Yeah, I think he’s always around,” Moore said. “He’s here, and he’s just always with the guys. Spiritually he’s with them, mentally he’s there with them. He does a great job of feeding little tips and things that he sees, as well. He’s in the meetings, and he does everything he can to help us, as well.”

It’s tough losing a big time offensive lineman, particularly one of Zinter’s caliber. However, his presence has been felt throughout the entire locker room.

Quarterback JJ McCarthy said that even as an injured player, he’s been an excellent captain and is uplifting the team.

“It just reassures us that, man, we made the right decision-making him one of our captains because he’s always going to be — even though he’s not playing, he’s going to keep uplifting us just fine,” McCarthy said. “Being around us and walking around Disneyland with us, he’s an inspiration everywhere he goes on and off the field. It’s just great to have him on this trip.”

For Zinter, it was a broken tibia and fibula that required surgery. For a player who is, arguably, the best at what they do on Michigan’s entire team, it was a devastating blow but Michigan has also clearly come together around him. Head coach Jim Harbaugh made sure to visit him in the hospital. He was also there to receive the Big Ten Championship Trophy.

McCarthy pointed out that Zinter’s always been tough and played through injuries. He never complains, though, carrying himself the way his team has needed him.

“He’s had this whole wrist thing going on ever since I got here and never complains. There’s a multitude of little ticky tack injuries that I’m sure he’s dealing with or has dealt with, and you just never hear a peep out of him,” McCarthy said. “That just speaks to who he is and the grit that he carries himself with every day.”

Even with his injury, Zinter was named a First-Team All-American for the 2023 season.

Dan Morrison contributed to this report