How John Mateer helped Javonnie Gibson recover from 'heartbreaking' injury
NORMAN — Javonnie Gibson was in a tough place as Oklahoma concluded spring practices a few months ago.
The former Arkansas Pine-Bluff receiver transferred to the Sooners during the winter, and it didn’t take him long to emerge as one of the team’s top wide receivers. But a few weeks into spring practices, Gibson suffered a broken leg that sidelined him for several months and eventually through the first four games of the season.
It was a “heartbreaking” experience for Gibson, who had dealt with a serious injury. But shortly after that injury, OU quarterback John Mateer invited Gibson to stay at his house for a few days.
That proved to be very helpful in Gibson’s recovery process.
“My first week, John took me to his house and I spent time with him,” Gibson told OUInsider. “That was a big, important thing to me. I (never had) anybody do that for me, and that was my first injury.
“I stayed at his house for a whole week. He cooked for me. He got my medicine and stuff. He made sure I was straight mentally, physically, too, at the same time.”
It took several months, but Gibson finally made his program debut in the Sooners’ 44-0 win over Kent State on Saturday. Gibson came into the game early in the first quarter and played 23 snaps, per Pro Football Focus.
He made his first reception, too, catching a five-yard pass from Michael Hawkins Jr. Gibson had to readjust in midair and took a big hit as he caught the ball.
That hit knocked that wind out of Gibson, but it was almost like the final piece of the recovery process. His teammates were certainly happy to see him back out there.
“I’m so proud of him,” OU receiver Isaiah Sategna said. “He took his rehab very seriously and he stayed on schedule, didn’t have any setbacks. He wanted to be out there these past couple weeks. Seeing the guys out there balling, that drove him even more. I’m glad he got to finally get out there, get his feet under him.
The Sooners are certainly happy for Gibson to be back. The 6-foot-2 receiver caught 70 passes for 1,215 yards and nine scores a season ago at Arkansas-Pine Bluff. His size and length and his ability as a downfield receiver gives him a readymade role in the Sooners’ offense.
He won’t have much time to settle in, given the matchup this weekend.
The Sooners head to Cotton Bowl Stadium to take on Texas (2:30 p.m. Saturday, ABC) for the Red River Rivalry. The Longhorns (3-2) fell to Florida last week, 29-21, as the defense struggled to contain the Gators. Florida quarterback DJ Lagway finished with 298 passing yards and two touchdowns while averaging over 14 yards per completion.
Gibson will likely be asked to play a big role, and the Sooners could find ways to utilize him down the field against Texas’ secondary.
“I’m pretty excited. I feel like it’s a big game. I’ve heard about it. It’s a big rival, and this stage, too. Really the main thing I’m treating it like another game, too, at the same time.”
It was a long way back for Gibson, but now he’s ready to contribute for the Sooners. However, the Sooners might be without Mateer, who is recovering from thumb surgery.
Gibson said he’s ready to return the favor and help Mateer make his way back.
“I’ve helped him a lot, too. I asked him what do you need, and I looked out for him, too. He said he wanted me to come cook for him, too. It hasn’t happened yet, so we’ll see.”
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