‘You can battle through it’: Gretna East football player overcomes tough injury

GRETNA, Neb. —

He’s turned a tough injury into a total comeback.

Whether it’s drills on the field or reps in the weight room, Quinn Bera will be soaking up every bit of his senior year.

“It went by very fast. Like I remember just being a little freshman,” Quinn said.

And 12th grade will be extra special for the Gretna East wide receiver, especially considering the past year.

“I caught the ball. And I like turned upfield, and while I was running … I kind of like stuck my leg out like that, and somebody … dropped all their weight on it and it just completely just … snapped,” Quinn said.

He’s talking about the last game of the regular season in 2025, which, for Quinn, ended with him being carted off the field.

“When he broke his ankle, it was on a play that secured the district championship for us,” Gretna East Head Coach Justin Haberman said. “And when he rolled over with the athletic trainers and his ankle was facing the wrong direction, we knew it was bad.”

The teen would have to undergo multiple surgeries.

“Football was kind of out of the question for me at that point; I just wanted to walk again,” Quinn said.

He also spent about five months with physical therapists.

“Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. They helped me out so much, both mentally and physically,” Quinn said.

At one point, the progress was interrupted when Quinn got an infection on his ankle.

“That was a real kick to the stomach, and we had a moment when it was just me and him in the doctor’s office where we just kind of both broke down,” said Quinn’s dad, Matt Bera. “But I told him that … whatever happens, I promise you, you will play.”

And Matt was right. Eventually, Quinn’s ankle healed.

“His hard work and determination has shown so many of our younger players, no matter what it is, injury or not, you can battle through it and take care of business,” Haberman said.

Now, Haberman, Quinn and the Gretna East Griffins are eyeing another district championship and a trip to state.

“I think you’re going to see, just, electric things happen from (Quinn) this season and some college football program is going to be lucky to secure him,” Haberman said.

“Once I get on that field, I’m just going to … do what I do,” Quinn said.