DeAngelo Hall had never experienced an injury which required so much rehabilitation before, but since going down with a ruptured Achilles tendon Week 3 last season, and then reinjuring it again just a few weeks later, that's exactly what he's been doing over the last few months.
While he's able to put weight on his leg again, Hall learned early on that when it comes to rehabbing, "the biggest thing is to just be patient."
A look back at some of Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall's interceptions through the years.
Hall's first career interception with the Redskins.
Hall picks off New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in Week 13 of the 2008 season.
Hall adds to his six tackles by intercepting New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning in the season opener of the 2009.
Hall picks off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Week 4 16-13 victory in 2009.
Hall's third quarter interception off Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme in 2009.
Hall's last interception of the 2009 season in a 27-17 victory over the Denver Broncos.
Hall returning one of his four interceptions against the Chicago Bears in 2010. He tied an NFL record for the most interceptions by one player in a single game.
Hall and Brian Orakpo celebrate one of his four interceptions against the Chicago Bears in 2010. He tied an NFL record for the most interceptions by one player in a single game
Hall diving for one of his four interceptions against the Chicago Bears in 2010. He tied an NFL record for the most interceptions by one player in a single game.
Hall picks off a pass intended for Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson in the first quarter of a game during the 2010 season.
Hall celebrating his third quarter interception in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011.
Hall confirming his late game interception against the Seattle Seahawks to secure a 23-17 victory during the 2011 season.
Hall returning a second quarter interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2012 season. The Redskins would win the game 24-22.
Hall breaking a tackle after intercepting Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo in the second quarter of the team's 38-31 victory in Week 12 of the 2012 season.
That's not the easiest thing to do when you're a competitor.
"I'm a guy who wants to be out there on the field, who wants to compete, who wants to get better," he told Redskins.com. "For me, the last three or four months prior to four or five weeks ago I was not weight-bearing. So, I had to ride around on the scooter, hop around with a boot on. So, it's been nice to be able to walk with shoes on, go through some of the movements I'll be doing on the field."
Hall said there's really no specific timetable for both his rehab and his return to the field, but he's going to see his doctor again soon for another checkup.
"I'll see the doctor in about three weeks for a five-month checkup," he said. "From there, I'll start to get a better feel for the next couple of months – when can I get on the field, when do you think I'll be able to be full-go. Obviously, it's all predicated on how my body responds to each step of that rehab. But, I feel good."
A face of the Redskins' defense for quite some time now, some may think that at 31 years old returning from a pretty serious injury, Hall may never be the same player who has earned three Pro Bowl appearances.
But the doubt just fuels the Virginia Tech product's fire.
"I'm focused, man," he said. "I'm ready to go, ready to compete, ready to prove everyone wrong who thinks I can't come back."
During the 2013 season, arguably the best of his career, Hall recorded a career-high three touchdowns en route to being named the Sam Huff Redskins Defensive Player of the Year.
He believes he can be that same game changer again once he's fully healthy.
"Everybody was saying that was probably the best of my career at 10 years in," he said. "I still feel like I got that, and in 2014 I was off to a good start and to get hurt Week 3, was definitely frustrating, but I still feel like I can still do it. I know I can still play, I know I still want to play, I know there's still a lot of plays out there for me to make – make those plays, help our team win games and eventually a Super Bowl."
RELATED LINKS:
-- DeAngelo Hall Dives Into Television Opportunity
-- VIDEO: DeAngelo Hall Joins The Social Media Command Center
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