Georgia running back Dante Dowdell is in the middle of a long recovery after a serious ATV accident this summer, and he gave fans a clear look at just how much he has had to fight through.
Dowdell posted a video on social media Monday showing his rehab journey. In the post, the Kentucky transfer said he suffered a punctured lug, broken ribs, broken collarbones, nerve damage to his right arm and nine staples in his head. He also said he spent two-and-a-half months in the hospital before beginning the process of getting back on his feet.
That work now includes walking again, rebuilding his motor skills and strengthening his legs.
His post included this message: "God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers!! Jeremiah 29:11: 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' STORY NOT OVER."
Kirby Smart had already offered a couple of updates on Dowdell’s condition. In July, Smart said Dowdell had been in two different hospitals and was back in Georgia. Then in August, Smart said Dowdell was "doing better" but still had not returned to the team.
At SEC Media Days, Smart said, "We're praying for him and his family. We expect a full recovery, but the outlook right now is we're waiting to see.
We'll go day to day with him and see," Smart said at SEC Media Days. "I hate that for him and his family, but he's a great kid.
It's been tough. A lot of our players have been over there to see him.
It's just one of those really tough situations."
Before the accident, Dowdell had settled in quickly at Georgia after transferring following the 2025 season. He was set to use his final year of eligibility with the Bulldogs and drew strong reviews during spring practice. He finished spring on a high note at G-Day, carrying six times for 61 yards and a touchdown.
"He brings energy, toughness, size, speed," Smart said after G-Day. "You saw him out there today.
He flashes with some really good toughness and had some flashy runs. You can't have enough backs in the SEC, and I thought he did a good job with the opportunities he got.
He's a great kid to be around, and he's blended in that room and worked really hard."
Dowdell also made an impression on his new teammates. Georgia left tackle Earnest Greene said Dowdell introduced himself to the linemen right away and tried to build a connection. Running back Nate Frazier said he nicknamed the Picayune, Miss. native "Coon" after Dowdell asked Frazier if he'd ever eaten raccoon before.
Dowdell’s production at Kentucky in 2025 included 112 carries for 560 yards and three touchdowns, making him the Wildcats’ second-leading rusher behind Seth McGowan, who finished with 725 yards. He also logged seven carries for nine yards and caught a 2-yard pass against Georgia on Oct. 4.
His college path has already taken him across several programs. Dowdell signed with Oregon out of high school and played in six games for the Ducks in 2023, finishing with 17 carries for 90 yards and a touchdown. He then moved to Nebraska, where he ran 143 times for 614 yards and a touchdown and added seven catches for 21 yards.
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