5 Famous Athletes Who Came Back from a Broken Collarbone

By Dr. Terrell Joseph | Orthopaedic Surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery

The collarbone—or clavicle—is one of the most commonly broken bones in sports. It connects the upper arm to the torso and plays a key role in shoulder mobility, strength, and stability. Whether you fall off a bike or absorb a direct hit in contact sports, a fractured collarbone can take you out of action fast.

But for many athletes, a broken collarbone isn’t the end—it’s a temporary setback. With the right treatment plan, full recovery is not only possible but expected.

“Clavicle fractures are common in high-energy sports, especially cycling, skiing, football, and hockey,” says Dr. Terrell Joseph, upper extremity specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery. “Surgery can often accelerate return to sport and restore full function—especially in active individuals.”

Here are five famous athletes who broke their collarbone—and came back strong.

1. Chris Froome – Cycling

One of the most high-profile collarbone injuries in recent history came in 2019, when four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome crashed at high speed during a training ride. He fractured his right collarbone, femur, elbow, and several ribs. After surgery and months of rehab, Froome made a remarkable return to competitive cycling.

For cyclists, collarbone fractures are especially common because of how riders fall during crashes. Froome’s comeback highlighted how modern surgical techniques—like plate fixation—can help stabilize the bone and support early mobilization.

2. Aaron Rodgers – NFL

In 2017, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers broke his right clavicle during a game against the Minnesota Vikings. It was a significant setback for the franchise, but Rodgers underwent surgery and returned later that same season.

“Quarterbacks rely heavily on shoulder and collarbone mobility for throwing mechanics,” Dr. Joseph explains. “In many cases, surgical stabilization of the fracture can help speed up the return to play and reduce the risk of long-term dysfunction.”

Rodgers’s ability to return to high-level performance shows that with aggressive rehab and proper care, elite function is achievable—even after a traumatic injury.

3. Tony Hawk – Skateboarding

Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk fractured his clavicle (along with his elbow and ribs) in a high-impact fall at age 53. True to form, Hawk didn’t let the injury stop him. He documented his recovery on social media and returned to skating within months—proof that passion doesn’t age and neither does the body’s capacity to heal.

His story is especially encouraging for older athletes facing upper extremity injuries. With the right mindset, surgical care, and rehab, recovery is very much within reach—regardless of age.

4. Dylan Alcott – Wheelchair Tennis

Australian Paralympian Dylan Alcott broke his collarbone during a quad wheelchair tennis match—an injury that required urgent surgery. He returned to win major titles and continued to dominate the sport.

Alcott’s comeback reminds us that upper extremity injuries in adaptive sports present unique challenges—but with determination and high-level care, elite performance is still possible.

5. Troy Aikman – NFL (Retired)

Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman fractured his clavicle multiple times during his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. Despite repeated injuries, he led the team to three Super Bowl victories and retired as one of the league’s greats.

His resilience during a time when surgical approaches were more limited underscores just how far treatment for clavicle injuries has come—and how durable recovery can be even in tough conditions.

Final Thoughts:

A broken collarbone might sound like a major setback, but for athletes—professional or recreational—it doesn’t have to be the end of your season.

“With today’s advanced surgical techniques and individualized rehab plans, most athletes return to their sport with full strength and confidence,” says Dr. Joseph.

Dr. Terrell Joseph specializes in treating upper extremity injuries—including clavicle fractures—for athletes of all levels. Whether you're dealing with a recent fall on the slopes or a collision on the field, Dr. Joseph and his team are here to help you recover and get back to the activities you love.