Celtics forward Gordon Hayward opened up for the first time on Wednesday about the gruesome injury he suffered to his ankle against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening minutes of the NBA season.

Speaking to Matt Lauer of NBC, Hayward talked about the moments after the injury, and became emotional in sharing about his parents seeing him for the first time at the arena that evening after breaking his ankle.

“I wouldn’t want Bernie or Charlie (his kids) to go through that,” Hayward emotionally said to Lauer. “I remember seeing my mom. She’s crying. It’s tough to see your parents cry because it makes you emotional.”

Immediately after suffering the injury, Hayward told Lauer that a phone call with his wife Robyn was a source of encouragement for him. “Robyn calls, and I’m talking to Robyn and she’s trying to support me and wish she was there and God doesn’t give you a challenge you can’t handle.”

Hayward also shared in a Facebook post on Wednesday in more detail the road he’s been on these past few weeks.

My wife Robyn had called, but I hadn’t talked to her yet. She was getting updates basically from right after it happened. Finally, they put her on the phone. She just kept saying, “I’m so sorry. I wish I could be there to help you. I wish I could take the pain away from you. What do you need me to do?” It’s going to be okay. God has a plan.”

Hayward went on to write in his Facebook post that surgery on his foot was a success and he is expected to make a full recovery.

You can read the entire Facebook post below.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/gordon-hayward/in-an-instant/729977353869385/

Gordon and his wife Robyn are believers in Christ and cling to the promise God has made in his word in Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaB84vDnfVm/?hl=en&taken-by=robynmhayward

You can read more about Hayward’s faith journey by clicking below.

New Boston Celtic Gordon Hayward Says He Plays For The Glory Of God