Bryten Close - Comeback Champion
Meet Bryten Close, a standout student athlete whose passion for sports has been the driving force in his life since the age of six. From the first time he stepped on the football field, Bryten knew this was where he belonged. Throughout elementary and middle school, football was his first love. But as he grew, both in size and talent, he also found himself drawn to basketball, where he quickly began to shine.
By high school, Bryten was not just participating in sports. He was dominating them. As an offensive lineman and tight end, he was a cornerstone of his football team. At the same time, his height, agility, and strength helped him earn a coveted spot on Griffin Elite, one of the region's most prestigious AAU basketball teams.
It was during one of those summer AAU basketball games in 2023 that Bryten's journey took a sudden turn. Going up for a rebound, his arm became entangled with another player's. He felt something pull in his left shoulder, but like many tough athletes, he shrugged it off and kept going.
That fall, Bryten made the decision to sit out the 2023 football season and focus on basketball, hoping rest and time would help his shoulder. But by the Fall 2024 football season, Bryten was back, and bigger, stronger, and more determined than ever. Now standing at 6 feet 6 inches and 300 pounds, he had grown into a dominant force on the field. Coaches and scouts took immediate notice, not just of his size, but of his leadership, football IQ, and ability to move with incredible control and power.
Midway through the season, the shoulder pain returned, and this time it was worse. During a tackle, Bryten felt a familiar pop. Still, as a committed upperclassman and team leader, he played through the pain. He taped his shoulder before every game and pushed through every snap, unwilling to let his team down.
Despite the injury, college programs began to recruit Bryten heavily during his junior year. Between games, he and his family visited universities, exploring what the next chapter could look like. But in the final game of the season, disaster struck. His shoulder popped again, louder this time, and the pain was immediate. Bryten's junior season came to a heartbreaking halt.
With his future as a potential Division 1 athlete hanging in the balance, Bryten and his family began visiting doctors to determine the best course of action. The first specialists recommended weeks of physical therapy before even confirming a diagnosis. But with basketball season already underway and senior football season on the horizon, Bryten needed answers quickly.
That's when they turned to Cheslee Bloyd, PA-C at Bluegrass Orthopaedics (BGO). Cheslee immediately understood the urgency of Bryten's situation and fast-tracked the process. He arranged for an MRI and a consultation with Dr. Ryan P. Donegan, Shoulder and Elbow Specialist at BGO.
The news wasn't easy to hear. He had a torn labrum, but it was the clarity Bryten needed to move forward. Surgery was the only option, and timing was critical. Bryten had already played 10 basketball games but would miss the remainder of his junior basketball season and all of spring football. In January, 2025, Dr. Donegan performed a successful left shoulder arthroscopic labrum repair to restore Bryten's shoulder.
The recovery wasn't easy. It was a devastating blow for any athlete, especially one in the spotlight of recruiting. But he tackled rehab the same way he does everything — with relentless determination.
He began physical therapy just four weeks after surgery, committing to two or three sessions each week and staying disciplined with his at-home exercises. As spring football visits began, Bryten couldn't fully participate. But that didn't stop him from showcasing what he could. With his younger brother Hudsen helping him demonstrate his skill set, Bryten impressed the University of Louisville's offensive line coach, who had traveled to see him in person. Despite being limited, Bryten received an offer to play Division 1 football for the University of Louisville — a lifelong dream come true.
By the six-month mark, Bryten was officially cleared to return to play. His shoulder had fully healed. Today, he's back with his team, entering his senior football season as one of the top offensive linemen in the state and number one in his region.
Looking back, Bryten and his family are deeply grateful for the care he received from the BGO team, particularly Dr. Donegan and Cheslee Bloyd, PA-C, whose care went far beyond expectations. Cheslee not only expedited the diagnosis and treatment plan, but also regularly checked in and provided the support needed every step of the way.
"None of this would have been possible without the incredible care and dedication from BGO," Bryten's family shared. "Because of their team, Bryten is back doing what he loves, stronger than ever."
The entire #BGOFamily is cheering for Bryten as he begins his senior season and prepares for his collegiate football journey at the University of Louisville. His story is one of perseverance, heart, and an unshakable love for the game. That's what makes him a true Comeback Champion.
To learn more about elbow and shoulder specialist Ryan P. Donegan, MD, click here.
