By Max Campbell
Stampeders.com

Max Caron just refuses to give up.

After suffering a right Achilles injury during 2014 pre-season action, the linebacker endured an extensive recovery process and sat out all of last season. He then received a clean bill of health heading into his second year as a pro, only to go down once again during training camp. This time, his left Achilles was severely damaged and the Concordia alum will again be sidelined for an entire 18-game schedule.

Now, nearly two months since receiving the grim news for a second time in less than 12 months, Caron is encouraged by his progress and is leaning on his past experience with the devastating injury.

“It’s gone really well,” said the upbeat Kington, Ont., native. “You have a much better understanding of the whole process and I think you’re realistic right from the start about how much work it’s going to take. Last year, a lot of the process was just learning about the injury, learning how your body is going to respond to it. So I think especially this year for me, I think I’m going to have a lot easier time recovering from this one because I know the right things to do and the wrong things to avoid.”

Caron returned to McMahon Stadium last week for the very first time since undergoing his second surgical procedure and was thrilled to become reacquainted with his Stampeders family, which has continued to stand by his side.

“There’s going to be highs and lows and there are going to be points when you don’t know if you’re ever going to play again or do anything athletic again,” the 25-year-old admitted. “Really, what it comes down to is just trying to trying to be positive and just trying to do everything you can to make the best of the situation.

“I think one thing that really has helped me is just coming back (to the stadium). Sitting at home alone just with your thoughts can be heavy on your shoulders. I think being back here and being around the guys, being around the organization, it really helps my mindset going forward.”

Restricted to the six-game injury list since entering the league, Caron has been tremendously grateful for the outpouring of support he has received from the Stampeders faithful. Although he has yet to make an impact on game days, sympathetic Red and White fans have only added fuel to the fire for the former second-round draft pick.

“That’s huge,” said Caron of the words of encouragement following his most recent operation. “Especially for a guy like me who has been a part of this organization but hasn’t taken the field, I’m not a guy who the fans would necessarily know from my play. But it really meant a lot to me because they haven’t seen me play, but they know my story and they are so supportive.

“That adds that extra motivation to get back out there to show those people that supported you (and) are thinking of you that want you to be successful.”

On schedule to suit up in 2016, the six-foot-two, 236-lb. defender and special-teams contributor will not at all be concerned with his mental state once he rejoins his teammates on the turf. Rather than being cautious or timid, the one-time Okanagan Sun standout believes he can play a fast and aggressive style once next season rolls around.

“It’s one of those things where all throughout the rehab process, you’re kind of trying to jump that mental hurdle,” No. 43 remarked. “Then when you get out on the field in training camp or even in a game, that’s the last thing on your mind. You’re just out there to play. I’m not going to worry about reinjuring it. I’m just going to be motivated to just get an opportunity to live out my dream and play professional football.”