Michigan State hero Jalen Watts-Jackson says he'd endure injury again to beat Michigan

USA TODAY Sports

The winning touchdown that Michigan State defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson scored to help the Spartans stun archrival Michigan on Saturday came at a cost.

The redshirt freshman landed hard on his hip after he was tackled into the end zone by Michigan tight end Jake Butt, all before Michigan State teammates piled on top of him in jubilation. That led to a dislocated and fractured hip that was feared to be career-ending.

Watts-Jackson, who was carted off the field and hospitalized following the injury, had a three-hour surgery at the University of Michigan hospital on Sunday.

After surgery and a diagnosis that revealed he'd miss the rest of the season, Watts-Jackson said on Instagram his injury was well worth it to keep the Spartans in the College Football Playoff hunt.

"If I got the chance I would do it all over again for my brothers," he wrote. "God has a plan for everyone and I will not question any obstacles I encounter on my journey."

Watts-Jackson was in the right place to catch a floating football that Wolverines punter Blake O'Neill fumbled Saturday. He returned it 38 yards to help the Spartans win, 27-23.