Jaguars' Chris Hanson hurts himself chopping a stump in the locker room.
By Associated Press
Published October 10, 2003
JACKSONVILLE - Jaguars punter Chris Hanson needed surgery to close a gash on his right, nonkicking, leg Thursday after he miscalculated while using an ax to hack away at the massive tree stump coach Jack Del Rio had placed in the locker room a few weeks ago.
Del Rio used the stump as a symbol for the mantra he adopted this season: "Keep chopping wood."
Hanson was rushed to the hospital where a wound on his lower leg was sewn up with "several" stitches, team spokesman Dan Edwards said. Hanson's leg will be in a boot for 4-6 weeks.
Beginning with Sunday's game against Miami, Jacksonville's only Pro Bowl player from last season will be replaced by Mark Royals.
The accident happened in the morning, while position players were in meetings.
"Specialists have more free time on their hands," Del Rio said.
In June 2002, Hanson, his wife and former Jaguars kicker Jaret Holmes were severely burned while they were making fondue at Hanson's house, and the fondue pot overturned.
