GRIDIRON GRILLER BLOG

In the midst of getting ready for the fall season (of grilling and tailgating that is!) I suffered a minor setback injury. I tore my meniscus while working out with my wife. I guess the years of playing in the N.F.L. continue to take their toll and when combined with getting older, wreak havoc on my 240 lb. frame. Fortunately, it wasn't a wrist or arm injury--my spatula hand is still strong as ever! No I.R. is required and pro-level grilling will go on uninterrupted.

What amazed me about the whole experience, was how flawlessly it went. I hurt my knee on Tuesday at 8:00 a.m., saw my buddy Doc. Kanell at 4:00 p.m., had an M.R.I. at 9:00 p.m. and surgery at noon the next day. By 3:00 p.m. I was home resting. That's almost drive-thru-speed surgery!

Doctor Kanell, the Miami Dolphin's Team Doctor, is one of the best knee surgeons in the country, so I was fortunate he could squeeze me in. He told me he did the same surgery on Dan Marino a few years back, and Dan was up and playing in close to a week. That's my goal. I was able to lean on my crutches and grill some planked salmon only two days post-op!

Today is Sunday and I'm free of crutches for short walks. The down time has given me a chance to work on the Gridiron Griller '09 season recipes. I've recruited a team of first-round picks to help design the new food plays and film the show on grill day. Stay tuned for more show information. In the mean time, my knee is iced and elevated and so are my spirits. I hope you're getting your grill on these lazy summer days!