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via Imago

via Imago

The past couple of years has been fairly frustrating for Brooks Koepka. Just a year back, then-injury-laden Brooks Koepka missed the cut at the Masters and tried to punch a hole in his car’s window. Koepka’s knee has been one of his biggest concerns, as the four-time major winner had to undergo a full knee reconstruction. However, a certain Tom Brady connection made the process easier, helping Koepka make a miraculous comeback for the 2023 Masters.

Now, Koepka refuses to let go of his opportunity to redeem himself, as he stands atop the current standings. However, Koepka hasn’t forgotten the friend that helped his recovery and still appreciates the friend he got for life.

The golden hand behind Brooks Koepka’s recovery

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Sports and injuries go hand in hand, such is the harsh reality of competing. Most sports remember the infamous moment when Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles or when Tom Brady tore his ACL, right? Koepka’s knee injury had a similar impact on the golf world. While the incident wasn’t captured on camera, Koepka narrating it gave many fans goosebumps.

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After winning the 2021 WM Phoenix Open, Koepka took a stumble right in his home. However, the injury worsened as Brooks Koepka tried to snap his knee back into place- eventually shattering his kneecap.

USA Today via Reuters

But why are we talking about three legends getting injured in three different settings? Well, they all share a common thread. The man responsible for all three of these athletes recovering and getting back to their best is none other than the orthopedic surgeon and the physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Rams, Neal ElAttrache.

Remembering ElAttrache’s contribution to his health, Koepka said, “Dr. ElAttrache is the best in the world at what he does, I think, He did a hell of a job. I think he said it was the first time that surgery had ever been done. It was nice to know that he was the one operating on me. That was the one I wanted.

ElAttrache has been one of the leading sports orthopedics in the game and enjoys the confidence of many elite athletes. Despite completely recovering, Koepka still remains friendly with not just ElAttrache but also his entire family.

Brady and ElAttrache

Quite similar to Koepka, Tom Brady also has a special appreciation for Neal ElAttrache. Speaking back on his relationship with the physician, Brady said, “I love Neal,“.

ElAttrache also reciprocates these feelings and considers Brady as one of his own, “I would do anything for him“.

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USA Today via Reuters

The relationship however has had its fair share of complications as being the LA Rams doctor in 2019, Neal ElAttrache rooted against Brady and the Patriots. Needless to say, Brady proved once again that he deserved the title of the GOAT winning the Super Bowl game 13-3.

Speaking on Brady’s greatness, ElAttrache elaborated, “He’s never been one to be braggadocious but you just had a sense he knew his destiny was to be great, That’s why he takes care of himself the way he does.

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Very early on in their relationship, ElAttrache noticed that everything Brady does is a step toward him winning. Being an avid golf lover, Brady is known to swing the club occasionally, which ElAttrache believes is another way of Brady clearing his mind and focusing on the task at hand.

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