Chad Terrell pens heartfelt message to Gamecock fans

South Carolina football wide receiver Chad Terrell recently penned a special message to South Carolina Gamecocks fans as part of a name, image, and likeness agreement with Garnet Trust.

The “super senior” sustained an unfortunate third torn ACL during preseason camp. With permission, GamecockCentral.com is publishing Terrell’s letter in full below.

“I am Chad Terrell, a son, a brother, a friend, a football player and a teammate. On March 10th of 2018, the first of three traumatic experiences happened to me.

The first ACL tear made me wonder if I could return to playing as the same athlete I was before. I thought my career was going to be ended early. However, I prayed and believed that I could do it. I flew through the process, getting closer every day. I recovered in six and a half months.

The second ACL tear on March 12th of 2020 was heartbreaking. It was such a letdown because I told myself I would do everything to make sure an injury like that never happened again. I did everything right and still had to sit and watch that season. The injury and COVID put me in a bad place mentally. I had all the help I needed from a mental health aspect, as well as a rehabbing aspect. I just had to find myself again.

Soon enough, it was like a fire was lit in me, and I couldn’t wait to be back. I missed that whole season but got my body in the best shape possible for the following season. The last tear was about three weeks ago: I tore my left ACL in our scrimmage during fall camp.

It was a play similar to the one I scored on in the spring game. I caught the pass and secured it. Then I got hit right below the knee from the side as soon as I turned my head. My knee caved inward in a way that tugged on my ACL to tear it. I immediately fell to the ground and knew what I had just done.

I punched the ground and all I could think was, “NO! NO!” All I could think about was all of the hard work I had put in for this season to be a playmaker and further my career down the line. I spent countless extra hours and effort working on getting better to be my best. This wasn’t my plan, and this injury will keep me off the field this season. The thing that hurts the most is that I will not be able to be out there with my teammates to make plays. However, I will still help and benefit the team in any way possible.

Throughout my career as a Gamecock, I have enjoyed every second of it. I’ve made great friends for life in teammates, coaches, students and our amazing fanbase. I still remember getting here a long time ago. I have gotten to play but unfortunately, I missed two years due to two ACL tears prior to this year. Not to mention, the second time I tore my right ACL, it affected my mental health, but with all the great people around me, I was able to recover.

All of these things affected me in a way where I kept falling behind and had to play catch up. It was like I worked my way up the depth chart, but then a knee surgery would send me back to the bottom. That made it extremely hard for me to get the opportunities I fought so long and hard for. I still enjoyed every day through all the ups and downs.

This past off-season, about two weeks before spring football started, I had a conversation with Coach Beamer where he told me I needed to have a good spring season in order to help the team this year. A few days later, I talked with Coach Stepp and was given the chance to switch from wide receiver to tight end. I took the chance and gave it 100 percent.

It was a struggle learning all of the new techniques and plays from a new spot, but with the help of our coaches, I figured it out. Every day during spring ball, I would go over every play that we were going to run in practice the next day with Caleb Jenerette. We spent many extra hours to make sure I knew what I was doing. It ended with me playing a good spring game and even scoring. I was grateful for the opportunity and blessed to put myself in a position to play a lot this year.

Unfortunately, God has other plans for me because of my recent injury. I am not sure what is to come, but I know I will make it through this and end up back on the field or whatever the next step in life for me is.

My goal during this time is to benefit the team in whatever ways I can. I will still be out there on game days and be with the team just like I’m still playing. The next thing I want to do is still find ways to benefit my future through the NIL world. I hope that brands and companies will still help student-athletes dealing with what I am currently facing. I still want opportunities to work with them and benefit their brands. It is a great way for us student-athletes to make use of our time and build connections.

I am very thankful to the Garnet Trust for providing me with this opportunity to share my story and utilize NIL. No matter what, I am still grateful for my time here so far and the time I still have.

Thank you, Gamecock Nation, for always supporting us through everything. We love you and appreciate you. Spurs Up!”

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Garnet Trust launched in November 2021 with a mission to “connect South Carolina fans with their favorite athletes like never before.” Members can join for as little as $10 a month, which gains them access to exclusive content and experiences. Garnet Trust funds its NIL deals through member revenue.

Here’s more on the organization from its website:

Through Garnet Trust’s usage of legal and compliant name, image, and likeness deals, fans gain access to unique experiences while athletes in Columbia are able to capitalize on the NIL era in ways that actually build their brands. Deals have included content offerings, social media promotions, in-person and virtual events, and charitable causes.

Garnet Trust also bridges the gap between brands and Carolina athletes, using industry media knowledge to unlock highly-engaged audiences for the businesses while allowing athletes to make the most of NIL opportunities.

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