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Missouri Tigers star running back Ahmad Hardy on Sunday made his first public comments about his recovery after he was shot at a concert on May 10.
Hardy was shot in his leg while attempting to leave a concert in Laurel, Mississippi.
He underwent surgery at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and was discharged later that week.
I appreciate everybodys support wishing for me to get back on the field, so I thank them for that, Hardy told reporters on Sunday.
A lot of people have been texting me, checking in on me, things like that, so I appreciate them for that.
When youre hurt, there are a lot of obstacles that you go through.
I think Im handling them pretty well and Im trying my best to get back on the field, he added.
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz said last week that Hardy was fully healed and cleared to begin a return-to-play protocol, which he estimated could take five to eight weeks.
It was a great feeling.
I had been waiting on that feeling, Hardy said about Drinkwitz comments.
Its just another obstacle that I accomplished.
Just steady going through things trying my best to get back on the field.
Im going through rehab trying my best to get back on the field so whenever that time comes, Ill be out there.
Hardy was named an NCAA First-Team All-American honors as a sophomore in 2025, his first season with Missouri after he transferred from Louisiana-Monroe.
He led the SEC with 1,649 rushing yards and 6.4 yards per rush attempt while also scoring 16 rushing touchdowns last season.
Hardy was also named one of three finalists for the 2025 Doak Walker Award, which honors the best running back in college football.
As a freshman at Louisiana-Monroe in 2024, Hardy led the Sun Belt Conference with 237 rush attempts, 1,351 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns.
Missouri will open its 2026 football schedule against Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Sept.
3 at home at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri.