Mo Toure releases heartfelt statement on ACL tear, missing 2024 season

The start of the 2024 college football season is only a few days away and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights were dealt some rough news, as they learned that star linebacker Mo Toure would be out for the season with a torn ACL.

On Wednesday evening, Toure went to his Instagram page to release a statement on the injury and having to miss the upcoming season.

Mo Toure releases a statement about missing the 2024 season with a torn ACL.

“I deeply appreciate everyone reaching out and praying for me. … I also ask that you pray for the first person I will face when I return — they will need it.” https://t.co/UKoIgEiTTu pic.twitter.com/ktqt1kAEez

— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) August 21, 2024

“Heartbroken, upset, and frustrated-there are so many ways to describe how I am feeling right now,” Toure wrote in his statement. “However, I trust God’s plan and leave everything in his hands knowing he knows what is best. Nothing can break me-I’ve faced worse adversity in life and have overcome many obstacles. Chin up and chest out, I am determined to overcome this challenge and come back stronger than ever. God Gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, and I am resolute in my strength.”

“I deeply appreciate everyone reaching out and praying for me, your support means the world to me. I also ask that you pray for the first person I will face when I return–they will need it,” Toure continued. “To the youth, let me serve as an example: Life presents challenges beyond our control. You have two choices: feel bad for yourself or create a plan and figure it out. Never let obstacles or setbacks break you. Instead, let them shape you into a better version of yourself. Never give up and always pursue your dreams.”

“To my brothers, I’m with you every step of the way. Let’s show the world what we are made of this season!” Toure finished.

He was recently named to the Butkus Award watch list after earning fourth-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023.

The sixth-year senior originally signed with Rutgers as a three-star linebacker in the class of 2019. Toure redshirted that season before becoming a key contributor for the Scarlet Knights in 2020.

During his second year at Rutgers, Toure played in all nine games and led the team with 4.5 sacks. He then moved to the defensive line in 2021, playing in all 13 games, with five starts. He recorded 52 tackles, 8 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

After missing all of the 2022 season with an injury, Toure had another strong year in 2023, playing in all 13 games and making eight starts. He was named a semifinalist for the Comeback Player of the Year Award after leading the team with 9.5 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

Mo Toure was expected to be a huge part of the Rutgers defense this fall. Unfortunately, that won’t be the case now following his injury.

On3’s Matt Connolly also contributed to this article.