Amid heart condition, TCU’s Duggan staying positive and focused on return, dad says
TCU quarterback Max Duggan isn’t sulking about a recent diagnosis that has sidelined him indefinitely.
Instead, Duggan is focused on recovering and returning to the football field as soon as possible, his father Jim Duggan told the Star-Telegram on Sunday.
“Max is obviously disappointed by the recent developments,” Jim Duggan said. “But he’s also the kind of kid who has been raised not to feel sorry for himself. He’s staying positive. I’m sure when he’s given the green light, he’ll probably snap his chin strap a little tighter and go to work with a major chip on his shoulder.”
Jim Duggan went on to say doctors discovered a heart abnormality on his son during an evaluation with an EKG (electrocardiogram). As TCU coach Gary Patterson said in announcing the news late last week, Jim Duggan reiterated that Max has likely had this condition his entire life and it was not COVID-19 related.
“He’s been treated for it and is now in the recovery phase,” Jim said. “It just went undetected. We’re glad that it was found and we had the opportunity to correct it.”
Max himself later offered his thoughts on social media, posting on Twitter: “I appreciate all the support I’ve received this week. Thanks to precautionary COVID-19 testing, I learned about a heart condition that I’ve had since birth. I’ve already had the necessary procedure and am on the road to recovery. Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. Go Frogs!”
A timetable for Duggan’s return is unknown. Patterson said he’s hopeful that Duggan is able to return this season.
In the meantime, TCU is going forward with its other quarterbacks. Sophomore Matthew Downing has been working with the first team much of training camp and the backup battle is ongoing. TCU opens its season against SMU on Sept. 12 at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Duggan is expected to return to the field eventually. He’s motivated to get back and build upon a true freshman season in which he started the final 10 games.
Duggan finished his rookie campaign by going 181 for 339 passing for 2,077 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 555 yards and six TDs.
Asked about Max returning to the game, Jim said: “Absolutely. He’s not sitting at home twiddling his thumbs. He’d be out there today if he could, but he’s got to be smart and follow the advice of the medical team and get recovered.”
This story was originally published August 23, 2020 at 2:39 PM.
