20 Famous Athletes Who Had Knee Replacements

20 Famous Athletes Who Had Knee Replacements

Dominance in physical prowess and agility takes precedence in sports and that is why athletes encounter trials that are as exacting as they are gratifying. Overcoming injuries and setbacks stands as proof of their resolute resolve.

The knee, an indispensable joint essential for both motion and stability, can yield to the rigours of ceaseless training and competitive exertion. Numerous esteemed athletes have come across the necessity for knee replacements stemming from prolonged impacts and unrelenting stress.

Despite these circumstances, these sports figures have persisted in leading vibrant, active lives post-surgery, serving as a wellspring of motivation for those grappling with similar obstacles.

Let us now delve into the profiles of some of the most renowned athletes who’ve undergone knee replacement procedures.

1. Tiger Woods

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Tiger Woods, the prominent American professional golfer, shares the top spot in PGA Tour victories and holds a notable position as the second-highest achiever in men’s major championships.

He also boasts an array of golfing records. Regarded widely as one of the most exceptional golfers in history, Woods is also among the most renowned modern athletes.

In June 2008, a week after winning the U.S. Open, Woods had knee replacement surgery on his left knee. He had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee in July 2007 but had chosen not to have surgery at the time. The surgery was successful and Woods returned to competitive golf in December 2008.

Woods weathered the injury storm and propelled to become one of the most celebrated athletes ever. To find out some interesting details about him, click here.

2. Kurt Angle

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Kurt Angle, a former WWE wrestler and accomplished Olympic gold medalist, faced numerous injuries throughout his career, encompassing neck fractures and other spinal-related issues.

The celebrated figure, Kurt Angle, who holds Olympic glory and a revered position in the WWE Hall of Fame, underwent a bilateral knee replacement surgery in May 2022 at the age of 53.

Angle had endured prolonged knee discomfort, stemming from his wrestling journey and a neck fracture he endured in 1996. The surgical procedure yielded positive outcomes, and Angle’s complete recuperation is anticipated.

Expressing his aspirations, he has conveyed a desire to eventually stage a comeback to the wrestling scene.

3. Jamie Redknapp

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Jamie Redknapp, a former professional soccer player, underwent complete right knee replacement surgery on November 26, 2022, when he was 49 years old.

Redknapp had endured persistent knee discomfort over an extended period, stemming from a prior injury he incurred during his football career. The surgical intervention was effective, and Redknapp’s projected timeline for complete recuperation spans 6 to 9 months.

He has expressed eagerness to return to his dynamic way of life in the aftermath of successful treatment.

4. Bill Walton

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Bill Walton, a distinguished basketball player enshrined in the Hall of Fame, underwent a complete left knee replacement procedure in 2013 when he was 57 years old.

The operation yielded favourable results, leading to his eventual complete recuperation. Presently, he thrives as a prosperous broadcaster and serves as an advocate for individuals with disabilities.

Over an extended period, Walton grappled with persistent knee discomfort, a consequence of multiple injuries he endured during his tenure as a player.

The surgical intervention was a final recourse, aimed at alleviating his agony and enhancing his overall well-being.

Post-surgery, Walton faced an extensive and challenging period of rehabilitation. For several weeks, he relied on a walker and a wheelchair, gradually working to restore his strength and mobility. His unwavering resolve to achieve a full recovery ultimately paid off.

5. Kathy Meares

Despite undergoing four replacement surgeries throughout her career, Kathy remained steadfast in her pursuit of athletic ambitions. She attained multiple medals in the National Senior Games.

Her first surgical intervention happened when she was 36, and her fourth occurred in 1995. Despite being advised by medical experts to halt her running activities, she disregarded their advice and evolved into a determined champion of power walking.

Kathy’s impressive accomplishment at the 2019 National Senior Games, where she clinched a gold medal in the 70-to-74 age category for the 1,500-meter power walking event, left many in awe and served as a source of inspiration.

6. John Elway

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Former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway underwent a left knee replacement surgery in November 2007 when he was 39 years old.

Elway had been grappling with persistent knee discomfort for an extended period, a result of various injuries he incurred during his time as a player. The surgical procedure proved effective, leading to Elway’s complete recuperation.

7. Gary Stevens

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Renowned jockey Gary Stevens, who is enshrined in the Hall of Fame, underwent a comprehensive right knee replacement surgery in July 2014 at the age of 51.

Stevens had endured persistent knee discomfort for a considerable period, largely attributed to the physical toll of his profession as a jockey. The surgical intervention yielded positive results, leading to Stevens’ complete recuperation.

He made his comeback to racing in October 2014 and achieved victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic aboard Mucho Macho Man during the same year.

8. Joe Namath

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Joe Namath, the former quarterback of the New York Jets, had total knee replacement surgery on both knees in April 1992.

He was 49 years old at the time. Namath had been suffering from chronic knee pain for many years, due to several injuries he sustained during his playing career. The surgery was a success and Namath has since made a full recovery.

9. Wayde van Niekerk

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Wayde van Niekerk, the South African Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 400 meters, had a knee replacement surgery on his right knee in October 2017. He was 25 years old at the time.

Van Niekerk had torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee in a celebrity touch rugby match in Cape Town in October 2017. The surgery was a success and Van Niekerk has made a full recovery.

10. Terry Bradshaw

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Terry Bradshaw, a Hall of Fame quarterback renowned for his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, underwent a complete knee replacement surgery in December 2015 when he was 63 years old.

Bradshaw had endured enduring knee discomfort stemming from injuries sustained during his time as a player. The surgical procedure proved to be successful, leading to Bradshaw’s complete restoration to health.

11. Gabriele Reece

Former professional volleyball player Gabrielle Reece underwent knee replacement surgery in April 2016 to address long-standing knee pain attributed to wear and tear from her athletic career.

12. Mick Foley

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Mick Foley, a celebrated WWE Hall of Famer, underwent a total knee replacement procedure on his right knee on September 11, 2017, at the age of 53. Foley had endured prolonged knee discomfort resulting from multiple injuries sustained during his wrestling career.

The surgical intervention yielded positive results, leading to Foley’s complete restoration of health. Now, he can engage in activities like walking, running, and wrestling without experiencing any discomfort or pain.

Mick is established as one of the most dominant wrestlers to ever grace the WWE and alongside others they made it a household name in the wrestling industry. Find out who are other famous wrestlers to ever compete in WWE here.

13. Dan Marino

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Dan Marino, the former Miami Dolphins quarterback and Hall of Famer had total knee replacement surgery on both knees in January 2020. He was 60 years old at the time.

Marino had been suffering from chronic knee pain for many years, due to several injuries he sustained during his playing career. The surgery was a success and Marino has since made a full recovery.

14. Ickey Woods

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Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Ickey Woods underwent a complete left knee replacement surgery in February 2012, when he was 43 years old.

Woods had been grappling with persistent knee discomfort as a result of various injuries sustained during his time on the field. The surgical intervention proved effective, leading to Woods’ complete recuperation and restoration of his knee function.

15. Mark McNulty

 Renowned professional golfer Mark McNulty underwent knee replacement surgery in May 2010 at Rush University Medical Center.

The procedure was undertaken to alleviate chronic knee pain resulting from his extensive golfing career, to improve his overall well-being, and to reduce the discomfort that had persisted for years.

16. Nancy Lopez

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Nancy Lopez is a retired professional golfer from Torrance, California (born in 1957). She was named Female Athlete of the Year in 1976 during her freshman year at the University of Tusla and she is one of the most famous American golfers of all time.

Nancy Lopez, a 48-time LPGA winning golfer, had a total knee replacement surgery on her right knee in November 2017. She was 60 years old at the time.

Lopez had been suffering from chronic knee pain for 20 years, due to several injuries she sustained during her playing career.

The surgery was a success and Lopez has since made a full recovery. She is now able to walk, play golf, and even ski without pain.

17. Peter Jacobsen

Peter Jacobsen, a former PGA Tour golfer and current Champions Tour player and commentator, underwent comprehensive left knee replacement surgery in March 2008 when he was 49 years old.

Jacobsen had grappled with enduring knee discomfort for an extended period, attributed to several injuries sustained throughout his playing career.

The surgical intervention achieved its goal, resulting in Jacobsen’s complete recuperation and restoration of his knee’s function.

18. Brooks Koepka

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At 33 years old, Brooks Koepka, acclaimed in golf with four major championship victories, underwent a comprehensive right knee replacement surgery in October 2022.

His prolonged knee discomfort resulted from numerous injuries sustained throughout his golfing career. The choice for surgery came after an undisclosed mishap from a fall at his Florida home.

A remarkably swift recovery, even beyond the doctor’s expectations, allowed Koepka to make a surprising return to the Masters just a few weeks after the surgical procedure.

19. Arnold Palmer

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 Arnold Palmer, the legendary golfer, had a total knee replacement surgery on his right knee in 1984. He was 54 years old at the time. Palmer had been suffering from chronic knee pain for many years, due to several injuries he sustained during his golfing career.

The surgery was a success and Palmer made a full recovery. He continued to play golf and remained active until he died in 2016.

20. Greg Norman

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Australian golfer Greg Norman underwent a complete right knee replacement surgery in 2005 when he was 50 years old. Earlier, in 1992, he had arthroscopic surgery following a knee injury sustained while snorkelling.

The surgical interventions were successful, leading to his complete recuperation. Norman continued his active involvement in golf until retiring in 2017.

Looks like Golf is a demanding sport and that is why golfers need to always be in good knee shape to compete effectively. That is one of the reasons that prompted Greg to get knee replacement surgery so as to be among the best. 

To learn more about the most famous golfers of our time, click here.