Return to Play: Mukendi Wa-Kalonji Returns to Rams Football

For Colorado State University football athlete Mukendi “Muk” Wa-Kalonji, #92 defensive lineman, this season marks a meaningful return to the field. After an ACL injury interrupted his time on the field, Muk is back competing alongside his Rams teammates.

Rocci Trumper, MD, a sports medicine doctor and orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedicic & Spine Center of the Rockies (OCR), helped Muk through his recovery journey and return to play. As the official sports medicine provider for the Rams, Trumper helped facilitate a smooth, safe recovery for Muk’s return for the ‘26-’27 football season.

Mukendi Wa-Kalonji sprints across the turf of CSU Canvas Football stadium.

“An ACL injury presents a significant challenge for any athlete, wishing to return to high demand activities,” said Trumper, who also serves as the lead team physician for the Rams. “In Muk’s case he injured not only his CL, but also his lateral collateral ligament, which adds to the complexity of the surgery and the rehabilitation. Muk went above and beyond to rehabilitate his knee to make sure he was ready for the year. In doing so he quickly became one of the favorites of the entire care team here at OCR.”

Muk’s story offers a look at the work behind a comeback—the preparation that happens away from game day, and the care that helps an athlete move forward.

For Muk, that work has led him back to Canvas Stadium. This season, he once again has the opportunity to put his preparation into action and contribute to the Rams.

OCR is proud to have been part of Muk’s recovery. As he returns to competition, we look forward to cheering him on and celebrating the effort that helped make his comeback possible.