TE for Texas football Gunnar Helm had an ankle injury during the 2025 NFL Combine.

Gunnar Helm’s Setback at the 2025 NFL Combine: A Look at His Injury and What It Means for His Future

As the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine came to a close, many of the top prospects had their eyes set on impressing scouts, coaches, and team executives. Among them was Texas Longhorns tight end, Gunnar Helm, a player with high hopes of making an impact at the professional level. However, what should have been a moment of opportunity for Helm turned into a challenging setback when an ankle injury hampered his performance during the event.

This incident has raised questions not only about Helm’s recovery but also about his future prospects as a professional football player. A promising talent with the potential to be a top-tier tight end, Helm had shown flashes of brilliance in his time at Texas, but the injury at the Combine has cast a shadow over his career trajectory. This article takes an in-depth look at the events surrounding Helm’s injury, the implications for his future, and the resilience he will need to recover and realize his dream of playing in the NFL.

The Build-Up: Gunnar Helm’s Rise to Prominence

Before delving into the details of Helm’s injury, it’s important to understand the context of his journey to the NFL Combine. Gunnar Helm had a standout career at the University of Texas, where he played tight end for the Longhorns. With a combination of size, athleticism, and solid route-running skills, Helm became one of the most highly touted tight end prospects in the nation. His 6’5”, 250-pound frame made him a mismatch for defenders, and his ability to stretch the field and block effectively gave him a well-rounded skill set that teams covet at the next level.

During his time at Texas, Helm showcased his potential with consistent performances. He displayed excellent hands, good separation skills, and a strong work ethic. As the team’s go-to tight end, he contributed significantly to the Longhorns’ offense, both as a receiving threat and as a crucial player in the running game. His performances earned him recognition from NFL scouts, with many predicting that he could be a day-two draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Helm’s journey to the NFL Combine was one of excitement, anticipation, and confidence. This was his chance to prove himself in front of NFL personnel, showing off his skills and physical abilities. Tight ends, particularly those with a versatile skill set like Helm’s, are increasingly valued in today’s NFL for their ability to impact both the passing and running game. As Helm prepared to make his mark at the Combine, the stage was set for him to take the next step toward achieving his professional football dream.

The 2025 NFL Combine: An Opportunity and a Setback

The NFL Combine is one of the most highly anticipated events on the football calendar. Held annually in Indianapolis, the event gathers top draft prospects for a series of interviews, physical tests, and on-field drills. The Combine is an opportunity for prospects to show their athleticism, agility, strength, and football intelligence. It’s a pressure cooker for athletes hoping to make a lasting impression.

Helm arrived at the 2025 Combine with a clear focus: impress the scouts and solidify his place as one of the top tight ends in the draft class. The physical tests—such as the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, and three-cone drill—are key moments for any player hoping to boost their stock. Helm was well-prepared, having spent months training to fine-tune his speed, explosiveness, and strength. All signs pointed to a strong showing, especially given his athleticism and size.

However, things took a dramatic turn when Helm suffered an ankle injury during one of the drills.

The Injury: How It Happened

The incident occurred during Helm’s participation in a positional drill. Tight ends are often asked to showcase their ability to run routes, catch passes, and block, simulating real-game situations. Helm had been performing well in the early portion of the event, displaying the fluidity and agility that scouts had been hoping to see. But during a change-of-direction drill—a common exercise for tight ends to demonstrate their ability to separate from defenders—Helm planted his foot awkwardly while attempting a sharp cut.

It was immediately clear that something had gone wrong. Helm collapsed to the turf in discomfort, clutching his ankle. The medical staff rushed to his side, and after a brief examination, Helm was helped off the field. While the extent of the injury wasn’t immediately apparent, it was clear that it would affect his ability to continue participating in the Combine’s drills. Helm was later diagnosed with a sprained ankle, but further medical evaluations were needed to determine the severity of the injury.

The injury to Helm’s ankle not only disrupted his Combine performance but also raised concerns about his draft stock. The NFL Combine is an important event in the scouting process, and a player’s performance—or lack thereof—can have a lasting impact on where they are selected in the draft. For Helm, the timing of the injury couldn’t have been worse. He had spent months preparing for this moment, only to see his hopes dashed by a seemingly innocent drill.

The Immediate Impact: What Does This Mean for Helm’s Draft Stock?

Helm’s injury left scouts and analysts scrambling to assess what it meant for his draft prospects. NFL teams had already begun their evaluations of the tight end class, and many had earmarked Helm as a player to watch closely. His injury, however, raised doubts about his ability to fully recover in time for the draft and, more importantly, whether his physical performance would be impacted long-term.

The first question on everyone’s mind was how severe the injury was. Sprained ankles can vary in severity, with some players being able to recover quickly, while others may experience lingering issues. Given that the injury occurred early in the Combine, it left Helm with little opportunity to fully showcase his skills. It’s widely known that teams want to see prospects compete in the drills to gauge their explosiveness, agility, and flexibility, all of which are essential traits for tight ends at the next level.

Helm’s inability to participate in some of these drills left a gap in his evaluation. For a player whose value lies in his versatility—his ability to contribute both as a pass catcher and as a blocker—having that opportunity to display his skills at the Combine was crucial. While many teams may have already seen enough film from Helm’s college career, the Combine provides a final, critical assessment that could tip the scale in a prospect’s favor. Helm’s injury undoubtedly threw a wrench into that process.

The Recovery Timeline: What’s Next for Helm?

Following the Combine, Helm’s immediate focus shifted to recovery. The Longhorns’ medical team worked with NFL doctors to establish a clear recovery timeline, ensuring that Helm would be ready for individual team workouts and the pro day—a final chance for Helm to showcase his skills before the NFL Draft. The good news was that, after a brief period of rest and treatment, Helm’s ankle injury was not considered a long-term issue. With the right rehabilitation, he would be able to return to full physical form. However, this would take time.

Helm’s recovery period would need to be closely monitored, especially as teams would be looking for any signs of lingering issues that could affect his performance during the pro day or in training camp. Ankle injuries, while common in football, can be tricky for athletes whose success depends on explosive movements and precise footwork. Helm would need to demonstrate that his injury would not impact his agility, quickness, or ability to block and catch passes at the NFL level.

As Helm worked through his recovery, the key for him would be to stay focused on regaining full strength. This process would involve physical therapy, strength-building exercises, and close monitoring by medical professionals. Additionally, Helm would need to manage expectations, keeping in mind that some teams may have concerns about his injury history, which could influence where he is drafted.

Helm’s Resilience: Overcoming the Setback

While the ankle injury at the NFL Combine was undoubtedly a setback for Helm, it also presented him with an opportunity to showcase his resilience. The NFL Draft is not just about raw talent; it’s about overcoming adversity, showing mental toughness, and proving that you can bounce back from setbacks. Helm’s ability to recover from this injury, both physically and mentally, will play a large role in how scouts and teams view him moving forward.

In his interviews following the injury, Helm expressed confidence in his ability to recover and perform at a high level. He acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on the Combine drills but emphasized that his goal was still to make it to the NFL and contribute immediately. “I’m going to put in the work to come back stronger than ever. I’ve faced challenges before, and I know how to handle adversity,” Helm said.

For Helm, this setback could serve as a defining moment in his career. If he can recover fully and demonstrate his skills at his pro day, he has the potential to solidify his place as one of the top tight ends in the draft class. Teams are looking for players who are not only physically gifted but also mentally tough—athletes who can bounce back from challenges and rise to the occasion when it matters most.

Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds for Gunnar Helm

Gunnar Helm’s journey to the NFL has been full of promise, and the ankle injury at the 2025 NFL Combine is just one of many hurdles he will face in his career. While the injury presented a temporary setback, it does not define him as a player. Helm has proven himself to be a talented and versatile tight end, and with the right recovery and preparation, he still has the chance to make a lasting impact in the NFL.

The key for Helm will be to use this setback as motivation, pushing himself to come back stronger and prove that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level of football. The 2025 NFL Draft is still within his reach, and with the right recovery, Helm could still hear his name called on draft day.

For Texas Longhorns fans, this is a moment of reflection on the impact Helm had on the program, but also a moment of hope for his future. The road to the NFL is never without its challenges, but for players like Gunnar Helm, overcoming adversity is part of the journey. His story is far from over, and the best chapters are yet to come.