© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The NFL Combine is in full swing as college football prospects prep for the next level. Texas tight end Gunnar Helm took the field over the weekend. His day didn’t go quite as planned.
The former Longhorns pass catcher twisted his ankle while trying to run his 40-yard dash. Despite the nasty looking sprain, he refused to sit on the sidelines.
Helm’s toughness has been on full display throughout his college career. The senior played a key role in his team’s College Football Playoff run.
Not only was he a weapon in the passing attack, racking up 60 receptions for 768 yards and seven scores, but he was also a competent blocker in the run game. Helm frequently helped open up rushing lanes for a Texas offense that totaled the third-most yards in the SEC.
Kyle Flood has to be pleased with this.
Both pullers kick well and how about RT Cam Williams from the backside, climbing to establish an open running lane for Blue.
Gunnar Helm gets a great pin block on the edge too. Very well executed. pic.twitter.com/Xa1VlEqu47
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) September 2, 2024
Gunnar Helm is widely considered a Top 5 player at his position. He’s likely second- or third-round NFL Draft pick. He wanted to boost that stock this weekend.
Unfortunately, that might not have happened. The tight end tested low in certain categories after suffering the ankle sprain.
Gunnar Helm TE Texas🤘 spraining his ankle on a false start before his first attempt at the 40 yard dash NFL Combine 2025. pic.twitter.com/kaL2A7PdZG
— AsleepT (@AsleepT) March 2, 2025
The future pro played through the pain, refusing to come off the field. Helm completed the rest of his drills at the NFL Combine at less than 100%. Photos of his injury after the training session provided context into the significance of that sprain. It looked painful!
Here is a crazy Combine story: #Texas TE Gunnar Helm twisted his ankle on his false start on the 40-yard dash, then finished all the drills anyway. Said nothing until it was over. Had an MRI on Saturday to reveal a sprain. And will run again at his Pro Day. The pics are… yikes. pic.twitter.com/fi9Uus2ASa
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2025
Gunnar Helm didn’t test as well as he’d wanted in Indianapolis. Still, he showed strength and resilience on the field. NFL teams might view that as being equally important in their evaluations.