Brooks Mauk

Tight End, Weddington High School

The Thomas Davis Comeback Player of the Year Award is presented annually to a senior football player who has excelled on the gridiron while also overcoming medical adversity. The 2023 recipient is Brooks Mauk, a tight end and defensive lineman for Weddington High School.

During the last three minutes of a game in 2022, Mauk sustained a season-ending fracture of both his right tibia and fibula. Mauk was transported by EMS to a local hospital where a metal rod was placed from the top of the right knee to the right ankle. At this time, Mauk was also treated with antibiotics for a secondary infection of bilateral pneumonia.

Rehabilitation consisted of over 40 physical therapy sessions, daily strength and conditioning exercises per his PT regime, and countless hours with the team athletic trainer.

Mauk was eventually cleared to participate in the spring of 2023, and he took part in every session during spring practice, summer workouts, and the regular season. He continues to be one of the hardest workers on the practice field and the weight room.

On the field, Mauk starts on offense and plays defensive line as well. So far this season, Mauk has six catches for 100 yards and a touchdown while also providing excellent blocking in support of the team’s rushing attack. On defense, he is credited with four tackles, with two tackles for a loss and a sack. Each week during the season, Mauk has gotten stronger and is being counted on for a big role down the stretch and into the postseason.

The Charlotte Touchdown Club and Novant Health Sports Medicine are proud to present this year’s Thomas Davis Comeback Player of the Year Award to Weddington High School’s Brooks Mauk.

The Award:

The purpose of this award is to elevate the community’s awareness of football as a safe, healthy and character building sport.

The emphasis of this award is directed toward a player’s ability to return safely to football following a medical adversity.

Award Criteria:

The player has received evaluation and treatment for a medical adversity by his high school trainer, area physician, or physical therapist in the preceding 24 months.

The player has subsequently returned to the playing field and is currently participating in football during this calendar year. The medical adversity does not have to be directly related to a football injury. The winner will be chosen by a review panel selected by the Charlotte Touchdown Club. The winner will be recognized for his achievement at the annual Bronko Nagurski Trophy Awards in December. He will receive a trophy and a $2,000 honorarium will be given to his high school athletic department. Each finalist will receive a certificate recognizing him as a finalist for this award.

High schools in the greater Charlotte region are strongly encouraged to submit an application for this award. We are looking for inspirational stories of players working hard to overcome difficulties with their health and pushing themselves for the good of the team and their love of football.