The biggest question for TCU the last month leading up to the season was if Max Duggan would be able to play.
Through Covid-19 testing protocols doctors found a heart condition that the sophomore signal caller was born with, but had never affected him. He missed a few weeks of practice and didn’t start the season-opener.
He was cleared to play and played possibly his best half of football to date as he nearly rallied the Frogs to a victory by completing 16-of-19 passes for 241 yards and three touchdowns.
But his most important victory may have been just getting on the field after all of this.
“It’s been a little crazy but a lot of people in the program around here have helped me out a lot and supported me,” Duggan said. “I’m very grateful for the people in this program that have helped me get back to where I am.”
Thankfully after a heart procedure he won’t be hampered by this ever again.
“It is solved. Never had any symptoms or thought of it,” Duggan said. “I never had any of the symptoms they said I might and I never knew about it until a couple months ago. Probably would have never found out about it.”
Now he can focus on his next big challenge, No. 9 Texas on the road this weekend.
“They’re very talented and skilled, very well-coached,” Duggan said. “They’ve played very well this season so it’s going to be a fun game and great opportunity for us.”
Last year Duggan had a bit of a national coming out party against Texas as he threw for 273 yards and two touchdowns while running for 72 and another score as TCU beat the then No. 15 Longhorns 37-27.
As dominant as he looked in that game and in the second half of Iowa State, Duggan thinks he is going to get better each time he takes the field.
“The more games you play in the more confidence you have and I think my teammates helped me a lot last year,” Duggan said. “Coaches helped me a lot last year and I think those were big things. They supported me and had my back. That was a big reason for last year. We’re trying to build on that and win some ball games this year.”
