Cincinnati Bengals tight end Erick All Jr. stated that a physical encounter with a truck while on vacation in Greece significantly boosted his confidence in returning from consecutive ACL surgeries. All described the incident as a key moment that affirmed his readiness for the physicality of NFL play.
"That was huge for my confidence, you don’t understand, that did a lot of good things for the mental," All told reporters, according to The Athletic. "It could have been very bad. That’s what I do. I’m here for the physicality. After not playing for a while, when I got smacked by that thing, and I got up, that is as big of a hit — that’s the first time I ever got pancaked. Ever. I’m like, damn, if I can take that, I’m good. I’m usually the hammer."
The incident occurred when All was walking near his hotel in Greece, and a three-wheeled truck swerved, knocking him to the ground.
All, who has yet to complete a full season since being drafted by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, suffered his first ACL tear in November of his rookie year, missing the remainder of that season. A previous ACL tear from his time playing at Iowa complicated his recovery, leading him to miss the entire 2025 season as well.
Despite the past injuries, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin confirmed that All has been cleared for full activity heading into the 2026 season. He is currently positioned as the team's third-string tight end, behind Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow expressed optimism about All's return, noting his physical condition. "Obviously, he had a lot going on with his knee, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at him," Burrow said. "He looks fit, fast, explosive. He’ll play a big role for us this year."